Fraser Anning (Queensland, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Attorney-General. Since the Senate agreed to my motion for the terms of reference for the royal commission into banking to be extended to include examination of the conduct of administrators and insolvency practitioners, particularly where these entities act against farmers, to include the dispute resolution process of financial service entities, to extend the reporting period for 12 months, and to increase funding for the royal commission to allow it to hear more submissions and to undertake these additional investigations, has the government advised the Governor-General to request letters patent to be sent to Commissioner Hayne changing his terms of reference in line with my motion?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Anning for his question. I don't have a brief in relation to that, and I will need to take it on notice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Anning, a supplementary question.

Fraser Anning (Queensland, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Without knowing what you're going to let me know, since the necessary independence of the royal commission and what it is to investigate are entirely separate, and since precedents for government's extending the terms of reference for royal commissions after their commencement exist—such as the Costigan royal commission into the painters and dockers union—could the government let me know if they are going to comply with the express wishes of the Senate?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, Senator Anning, I will need to take that question on notice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Anning, a final supplementary question?

Fraser Anning (Queensland, Katter's Australian Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No necessity, I don't think. Thank you, Mr President.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you. Before I call you, Senator O'Neill, Senator Sterle, I have been advised by the Clerk that there was no profane language used. You used a letter. It is up to the judgement of every senator as to what language they allude to. I just thought I would correct the record from earlier. Thank you, Senator Sterle.

Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development (Senate)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's not in my nature to swear like that.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will take your word for it, Senator Sterle.