Kerry O'Brien (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I appreciate the undertaking to try and find that out so that I can be clear as to how I pursue this. I am concerned that there may have been protocols more observed in the breach, particularly by contractors who have from time to time attended and worked at the facility as handlers for particular imported horses, probably thoroughbred stallions—they seem to be the most valuable commodity in the context of this inquiry that would require handlers to attend. I really do think that if there is a barrier to those individuals coming forward and giving their evidence then we need to understand how those barriers might be overcome if that were to prejudice the obtaining of evidence which would indicate what the culture was, particularly at Eastern Creek during all relevant times since, let us say, the Olympics.

I think the Olympics was the last occasion on which there was a major change in horse importation protocols. Minister, you will be aware that in question time you were under the misapprehension that I was asking about foot-and-mouth disease concerns that were raised. They were raised before 2000 in relation to horses being imported for the equestrian events of the Olympics, and there was a debate as to whether horses could carry foot-and-mouth, there having been considerations about foot-and-mouth coming from Europe in particular but also from other parts of the world where foot-and-mouth disease was endemic. Of course, changed protocols and the more frequent importation of horses, both breeding and racing horses, are circumstances which would have exerted some pressure on our import protocols. And, of course, it is very important that any inquiry looks at the development of those protocols, maybe from before the Olympics but certainly since that time.

So, whilst that other matter is being considered, I wonder if the minister can advise us whether the terms of reference in the legislation require Mr Callinan to have regard to matters which go to the protocols that underpin the rules that apply to the importation of, let us say, horses. I think there are other animals that are affected by the same protocols, but let us say horses for the sake of the debate. Is the minister able to assure the Senate that there is no impediment in those terms of reference as contained in the bill which would prevent Mr Callinan from taking evidence as to the history of the protocols and the involvement of ministers in the development of policy underpinning those protocols?