Senate debates Documents
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Order for the Production of Documents
Wendy Askew Tasmania, Liberal Party
5:11 pm
At the request of Senator Hume, I move:
That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Industry and Innovation, by no later than midday on 1 December 2025, all ministerial submissions to the Minister for Industry and Innovation by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation respectively, from 1 June 2025 to date, which directly concern the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
Jess Walsh Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education
5:12 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Jess Walsh Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education
The government will oppose this motion. A briefing has been offered on this issue that I understand has not yet been accepted. The number of OPDs has also doubled since the 2022 election, and the scope of these requests has also expanded significantly. The Senate has agreed an average of four OPDs per sitting day in the 48th Parliament, double the average of two per sitting day in the 47th Parliament and almost four times the average in the last term of the coalition government. On 27 August, the Senate agreed to 14 OPDs in a single day.
Sue Lines President
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 271, standing in the name of Senator Hume and moved by Senator Askew, be agreed to.