Senate debates

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Documents

New and Redeveloping International Ports Framework Review; Order for the Production of Documents

6:40 pm

Photo of Wendy AskewWendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

At the request of Senator McKenzie, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, by no later than midday on 23 March 2026, all correspondence, including briefing notes, between the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development in relation to the New and Redeveloping International Ports Framework Review between 1 and 31 January 2025.

6:41 pm

Photo of Nita GreenNita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Tourism) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

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 all 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) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator Green to general business notice of motion No. 363, standing in the name of Senator McKenzie, be agreed to. A division is required. I will defer that.