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

In relation to the letter that was referred to, we may have been at cross-purposes. I was referring to one letter, and clearly Senator O’Brien was referring to another in relation to the exchange at question time a few days ago. In relation to the powers that the royal commissioner may have, generally I can indicate to the Senate that Mr Callinan has indicated that, in the event that he thinks the powers are not broad enough, he would not be constrained in any way, shape or form in approaching the minister to extend the powers. The minister has indicated that he would be willing to grant that. But in relation to the specific matter, if I can refer the honourable Senator’s attention to the bill, proposed section 66AY(1) says the terms of reference are to:

(a)

conduct a Commission of inquiry into matters specified in the instrument of appointment relating to all or any of the following:

(i)

the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia in 2007;

(ii)

quarantine requirements and practices relating to the outbreak ...

That seems quite specific to the matter raised by Senator O’Brien, but in any event we have included:

(iii)

any matters incidental to the matters referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) ...

Then there is the report to the minister. I think the terms of reference are both specific in relation to the particular issue raised by Senator O’Brien and also very wide and broad inasmuch as the commissioner is given power to inquire into matters incidental to those first two paragraphs.