Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of Senator Dean Smith, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that, in his response to order for the production of documents no. 307 relating to the distribution of Goods and Services Tax revenue, dated 10 October 2023, the Treasurer made a public interest immunity claim on the basis that it would disclose the deliberations of the Council on Federal Financial Relations and adversely affect Commonwealth-state relations;

(b) rejects the public interest immunity claim made by the Treasurer, noting that:

(i) when a claim of public interest immunity is made on the basis that it would adversely affect Commonwealth-state relations, the agreement of the States to disclose the information should be sought and they should be invited to give reasons for any objection, and

(ii) no such agreement has been sought, nor has the Senate been advised of any objection from any state government; and

(c) requires the order to be complied with by no later than midday on 7 November 2023.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a one-minute statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. I can advise the Senate that Treasury consulted with the Board of Treasurers, who objected to the release on the grounds that it would prejudice Commonwealth-state relations. The government has complied with previous iterations of this motion and reiterates the public interest immunity on the grounds that it would prejudice relations between the Commonwealth and the states.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 355, standing in the name of Senator Dean Smith and moved by Senator Askew be agreed to.