George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

I do not think it is appropriate for Senator Carr to seek in the committee stage of debate on a bill to circumvent the procedure in standing order 74. There are officers from the department here; that is so. I do not know what knowledge those officers might have of these questions. I am not personally aware of what the questions were. I undertook, in the appropriate manner, inquiries of the nature that I conveyed to Senator Carr yesterday and I am not in a position to advise him of any further information. I would not be in a position, even if I were to ask the officers, to give you that information without a clearance from the minister, as you well understand. Senator Carr, I do not think your question is appropriate in these proceedings and I have nothing to add to what I have already advised you. Did I say the day before yesterday? Perhaps it was yesterday.

Question negatived.