Senate debates

Monday, 11 September 2023

Documents

Makarrata Commission; Order for the Production of Documents

4:02 pm

Photo of Ross CadellRoss Cadell (NSW, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Nampijinpa-Price, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) orders for production of documents nos 281 and 282 agreed by the Senate on 7 August 2023, requiring the Minister representing the Minister for Indigenous Australians to table documents in relation to Makarrata and the Makarrata Commission, has not been complied with, and

(ii) the Minister for Indigenous Australians, in her response to the orders, made a claim of public interest immunity on the basis that it would breach confidential Cabinet deliberations;

(b) rejects the public interest immunity claim made by the Minister for Indigenous Australians noting that a claim cannot be made simply because a document has the word 'Cabinet' in or on it; and

(c) requires the Minister representing the Minister for Indigenous Australians to comply with the orders by no later than midday on Tuesday, 12 September 2023.

Photo of Andrew McLachlanAndrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question before the Senate is that the motion standing in the name of Senator Nampijinpa Price, moved by Senator Cadell, regarding compliance with an order for the production of documents be agreed to.