Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(1)

The Senate considers that, in addition to the existing resolutions in relation to the declaration by senators of interests and gifts, an accountability regime with the following elements should govern the declaration by senators of gifts and interests in the nature of sponsored travel, accommodation and hospitality:

(a)

that a written report of the sponsored travel undertaken by the senator be tabled within 60 days of the conclusion of the travel, detailing:

(i)

the cost or value of the sponsored travel, and

(ii)

the purpose of the sponsored travel and information gained;

(b)

that the written report be published on the Senate website within 14 days of the tabling of the report; and

(c)

that in the event of the sponsored travel not being disclosed and/or a written report not being provided within 60 days of the conclusion of the travel:

(i)

the senator be required to refund the actual cost of the sponsored travel (or if that cannot be ascertained the reasonable equivalent value thereof) within 30 days into general revenue, and

(ii)

that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee to determine whether any contempt was committed in that regard.

(2)

The following matter be referred to the Committee of Senators’ Interests, for inquiry and report:

The development of resolutions to give effect to an accountability regime for the declaration by senators of gifts and interests in the nature of sponsored travel, accommodation and hospitality, as outlined in paragraph (1).

(3)

For the purposes of the matter referred in paragraph (2):

(a)

standing order 22A(2), relating to membership of the committee, be modified to provide that the committee consist of 9 senators, including 2 nominated by any minority groups or independent senators; and

(b)

Senator Xenophon be appointed a member of the committee.