Senate debates

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Documents

Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion; Order for the Production of Documents

4:40 pm

Photo of Fatima PaymanFatima Payman (WA, Australia's Voice) | | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Attorney-General, by no later than 5 pm on Monday, 2 March 2026, copies of all ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages, created between 14 December 2025 and 8 January 2026 inclusive, between the Attorney-General and/or her office and the Attorney-General's Department in relation to the establishment of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

Photo of Katy GallagherKaty Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) | | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

Omit all words after "that", insert:

(a) orders for the production of documents is one of the Senate's most serious powers, and should be used when other processes have been exhausted rather than for fishing expeditions; and

(b) senators seeking to order the production of documents should consider paragraph (a) and refine their orders accordingly.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) | | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment as moved by Minister Gallagher to general business notice of motion No. 322 be agreed to.

4:47 pm

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) | | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 322 standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.