James Paterson Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
2:52 pm
My question is to Senator Wong, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Minister, can you confirm reports that the government has removed the directors-general of ASIO and ASIS as regular attendees at the National Security Committee of Cabinet and that they are now only invited on a case-by-case basis.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you to Senator Paterson for his question. Senator Paterson would know—and I'm sure he knew this when he stood to ask the question—that we do not disclose the workings of the National Security Committee of Cabinet. What I would say to him is that directors-general of both of those organisations are fine officers and their advice is sought and considered very carefully by government, including by me. I'm aware that there have been some, outside of this place, who have chosen to be critical of some members of our intelligence community. As a minister who has the opportunity to engage with, rely on and consider their advice, I would say that they are highly professional, excellent officers and we are very pleased that they work with us as well as they do.
James Paterson Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
2:54 pm
I welcome the minister's defence of our professional public servants and the intelligence community. Can you confirm reports that the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is now a regular attendee of the National Security Committee? Why does the government think that this person has superior insights on national security to the directors-general of ASIO and ASIS?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Again, I'm in a somewhat difficult position because we don't comment on the workings of those committees. But I would say to you I had never heard that before until you raised it.
James Paterson Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
There are media monitoring services available for such things, Minister.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Honourable Senator:
An honourable senator interjecting
James Paterson Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
Thank you; it wasn't mine. Did the Prime Minister remove the heads of our intelligence agencies from NSC because they were telling him things he didn't want to hear?
Will the Prime Minister commit to reinstating the heads of our intelligence agencies as regular attendees of NSC so they can provide the candid and considered national security advice that this government so desperately needs to hear?
Sue Lines President
Before I call the minister, Senator Watt, I'm going to ask you to withdraw those comments.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
I withdraw.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:55 pm
Senator Paterson is generally one of the more sensible members of the—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Would you like me to say something else? I can arrange that for your preselection, mate, if you really need me to at some point! He is generally one of the more sensible members of the opposition and somebody who understands the importance of working together on national security. Frankly, that question is beneath him.