On behalf of Senator Hume, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Finance, by no later than midday on Wednesday, 8 February 2023:

(a) a copy of the current Budget Process Operational Rules (BPORs) used on the formation of the 2023-24 Budget;

(b) any briefings, minutes or advice provided to the Minister for Finance by the Department of Finance relating to the BPORs and amendments to the BPORs since 18 June 2022; and

(c) any letter, email, communique or other document that accompanied the BPORs when they were issued after 17 June 2022 as advice to agencies.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave is granted for one minute.

Labor will be opposing this motion. We have commenced the 2023-24 budget process, and it is the Budget Process Operational Rules that govern the consideration of policies that are being brought forward. Given these are cabinet deliberations, it would be inappropriate for these to be released at this time. I note that we released the previous Budget Process Operational Rules after the budget process was completed, in the interests of transparency and accountability. Once the 2023-24 budget is delivered, we will consider further requests for these rules, given the obvious interest in them.

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 123, standing in the name of Senator Hume, be agreed to.