Senate debates Questions without Notice
Newlands Civil Construction: Senator O'Sullivan
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
2:36 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Nash. Can the minister confirm that Newlands Civil Construction has been contracted to undertake $1 million worth of works as the part of the Warrego Highway upgrade, a $635 million project partly funded by the Commonwealth government?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
That's a very specific question, and I will take it on notice for the senator.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
What is the total value of works Newlands Civil Construction, a company in which Senator O'Sullivan has an interest, has been contracted to deliver under the Warrego Highway upgrade program?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
2:37 pm
Again, that is a very specific question, but my understanding is that these are matters for the state government and should be directed to the state government.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
I know the minister chooses to overlook that the funding comes from the Commonwealth, but given this $1 million contract is the third example of a Commonwealth funded contract to a company in which Senator O'Sullivan had an interest, exactly how many contracts funded by Commonwealth taxpayers' money has Senator O'Sullivan stood to benefit from?
Stephen Parry President
In relation to the latter part of that question, Senator Watt, you are going to a scope beyond Senator Nash's or the minister's knowledge, but the minister can respond, if she wishes to, to the first aspect about the third example.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
I'm happy to restrict my question to the minister's portfolio—transport or infrastructure projects.
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
2:38 pm
I would have thought that the senator would understand that the contractual arrangements are done by the state government, and questions relating to that should be directed to the state government.
John Williams NSW, National Party
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young just said to Senator O'Sullivan, 'You're as dodgy as.' I ask you to ask her to withdraw that, please.
Stephen Parry President
Thank you, Senator Williams. It is very borderline. I think all senators in this place have thick skins. But, Senator Hanson-Young, if you feel as though you have said something unparliamentary, would you withdraw it.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Thank you. I've allowed Senator Hanson-Young to withdraw it if she feels as though she said something unparliamentary, which I didn't hear.