Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—The briefings being requested by Senator Siewert constitute advice to the minister with respect to his deliberations and the carrying out of his functions under the EPBC Act and, in accordance with the long-standing practice of all Australian governments, this should not be provided before tabling.

It is also appropriate to note that Senator Siewert was twice offered, as I understand it, a full departmental briefing on these matters by Minister Garrett’s office—verbally by her adviser on Monday 10 May and by email from Minister Garrett’s chief of staff yesterday. To date, I am advised she has declined to take up these offers.

Question agreed to.