John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We know how disappointed the Treasurer is, but let us not go there, Senator Ray; I am trying to be positive. When I originally focused on this at Senate estimates committees it was denied that this would be the impact of these changes. But we know now, for sure and certain, that everyone else is going to cop a little bit of extra time in travel, coming to or leaving Parliament House, and that may be justified. It certainly will mean some additional safety for staff being dropped off—I acknowledge that. But I am sure that we are all relieved that the Prime Minister is not going to be affected in any way.

Finally, I join with my colleague Senator Ray in focusing the attention of the parliament on the fact that the Senate Appropriations and Staffing Committee does an excellent job in these areas. A lot of this work, particularly in relation to security matters, is done behind closed doors. But we do have accountability mechanisms in the Senate in relation to the Department of the Senate and the Department of Parliamentary Services. There is one department, the Department of the House of Representatives, that has no scrutiny at all. There is no review of that department at all, and there has not been for the 105 years of the existence of the Commonwealth of Australia, and it is about time there was. (Time expired)