Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

Due to the complexity and the number of questions raised, the department have taken longer than anticipated in collating the information to adequately respond to the questions. They have also had to liaise with other departments and agencies in sourcing some of the information for some questions. The department advise me that all efforts are being made to respond to the questions as quickly as possible, given these constraints. I understand in general terms—and Senator O’Brien might, with a polite interjection, correct me if I am wrong—that the categories of questions to which he refers fall into two broad categories. One relates to grants, and various clarifications are being sought in relation to that category of question. In relation to the other category, which is dealing with the illegal fishing issue and the money spent in our northern waters—no, Senator O’Brien is politely indicating to me that that is not the case. I invite Senator O’Brien to make contact with my office in relation to the other category, and I will seek to get him an explanation as expeditiously as possible.