Senate debates Documents
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Order for the Production of Documents
Fatima Payman WA, Australia's Voice
4:37 pm
I move:
That—
(1) There be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister:
(a) by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, all written determinations made under subsections 4(1) and 12(2) of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 since 23 May 2022; and
(b) by no later than the tenth day after the end of the preceding three month period commencing 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October any written determinations made under subsections 4(1) and 12(2) of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 after the day this order is agreed to.
(2) This order is of continuing effect.
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration
I seek leave to make a very short statement.
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration
The coalition believes that the longstanding convention relating to the provision of staff to non-government MPs and senators is an important one which Prime Minister Albanese has disrespected. Noting this breach of convention, it is important to obtain as much transparency as possible on this matter. Therefore, the coalition will support Senator Payman's motion.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service
4:38 pm
by leave—The government will oppose the motion. The allocation of personal staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act is reported and publicly accessible in the normal way through established processes, including during estimates. At no point would the government agree to release the personal or specific details of parliamentarians, staff or party groups.
Andrew McLachlan Deputy-President
The question is that the motion moved by Senator Payman be agreed to.