Peter McGauran (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. At 9 am, I introduced a bill into the House to give Judge Callinan powers akin to a royal commission: powers to subpoena documents and witnesses and to hold public hearings. Those issues surrounding the past and current operations of the quarantine system as it applies to the importation of horses, including the facility at Eastern Creek, fall within the province of his inquiry. It is not for me to either condone or exonerate any aspect of the quarantine system or the handling of the equine influenza outbreak. We should let Judge Callinan conduct his inquiry without commentary from the sidelines that may hinder or prejudice any aspect of his hearing and his final recommendations. In regard to coming back with information in answer to your earlier question: I will provide information in due course.

See this speech in context