Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I am sorry, Mr Deputy President. I reject any suggestion that I have shown contempt towards this chamber. I have always taken the Senate estimates very seriously. I understand that questions have been raised concerning a significant number of questions that were asked in the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Commi­ttee, at which I represent the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. In fact, 357 questions were asked with many subparts, which were taken on notice by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at the additional budget estimates hearing in February 2011. This follows on from some 445 questions which were taken on notice at the budget estimates hearing in October last year. I am advised that 250 responses have already been lodged with the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Commi­ttee. Again, it is an extremely high number of questions compared with the previous estimates hearing.

Many of the questions seek detailed information on a number of complex and sensitive issues. I am advised that efforts are being made to ensure that all outstanding responses to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee are lodged before the next hearing scheduled for 23 and 24 May. I am also advised that, while the Department of Immigration and Citizenship does strive to meet the committee's deadlines, it has not always been possible. Senator Barnett may well remember that in 2006 and in 2007, under the previous government, the department was not able to meet the committee's deadlines in those circumstances either.