Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Nash. I refer to reports that Newlands Civil Construction has been awarded contracts valued at over $2.5 million as part of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project—a $1.6 billion project, 80 per cent funded by the Commonwealth government. What is the total value of works that Newlands Civil Construction has been contracted to deliver under the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll take that on notice, get information from the minister responsible and bring it back to the Senate.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Watt, a supplementary question.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I venture to suggest that the answer is very close to the minister if she'd like to take it up. Has Minister Chester or his office requested or received advice as to whether Senator O'Sullivan has received a direct or indirect benefit as a result of any contracts under the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll also take that on notice.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Watt, a final supplementary question.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If only we could ask Senator O'Sullivan! Given that Senator O'Sullivan stands to benefit under a $2.5 million contract, what assurance can the minister provide to the Senate that all dealings have been appropriately and legitimately entered into?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is not a matter of which I am aware, and any information I can provide to the senator I'll bring back for him.