Senate debates Documents

Prime Minister; Order for the Production of Documents


Nick McKim

Nick McKim Tasmania, Australian Greens

6:28 pm

At the request of Senator Faruqi, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister, by no later than 9.30 am on Monday, 23 March 2026, all ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages and/or correspondence relating to the National Anti-Racism Framework from 26 November 2024 to 4 February 2026, between the Prime Minister and/or his office, and the Race Discrimination Commissioner and/or the Australian Human Rights Commissioner.

Jenny McAllister

Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

6:29 pm

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 356.

Leave granted.

I move an amendment to the motion:

Omit all words after "That", substitute:

(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.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines President

The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator McAllister to general business notice of motion no. 356 be agreed to.

Sue Lines

Sue Lines President

6:32 pm

The question now is that general business notice of motion no. 356 standing in the name of Senator Faruqi be agreed to. A division is required; that will be deferred.