Amanda Vanstone (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. Some senators may have seen some coverage given to this matter recently, alleging that no money had been paid—not saying by way of compensation, but saying that no money had been paid. Those statements were incorrect. An amount of just under $8,000 had been paid, but that related primarily to travel expenses for legal advice.

The advice I have in relation to this matter is that Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs are dealing with the short-term needs of Ms Rau and that a question in relation to those short-term needs should be directed to that minister. The compensation issue is being dealt with, as is normally the case, by the Australian Government Solicitor. So questions in that regard could go to the Attorney-General but as we are the client they should probably stay with me.

The most recent advice I have on this matter is that parties are looking to get a negotiated settlement of this matter. That will be much quicker than court proceedings and would be, I think, in everybody’s interest. It is not that I am opposed to lawyers but I am sure it will provide less money to the lawyers and be more efficient. However, there are some issues to be resolved before all parties can come to such an agreement. Those issues pertain to whether other parties that might subsequently be pursued would agree, because, if I am properly advised at this point, if we make an agreed settlement and action is then taken against other parties, they may seek to join the Commonwealth, so the Commonwealth would not be finished with the matter. So we are trying to get to a point where all parties can come together, agree and resolve the matter.

It does seem to be taking some time. I have to say that I do not agree with everything that you said, Senator Nettle, in the introduction to your question, but it is quite common for you and I to disagree about what you say, so I do not put too much emphasis on that. But I am sure it is in everybody’s interest, and in particular in Ms Rau’s interest, for this matter to be brought to a final conclusion—not that there is a final conclusion for the Commonwealth and then some other issue is started up. She can then get on with her life and put this matter behind her. She cannot do that until we can get to a negotiated solution that all parties can agree is the solution.