Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I, like Senator Ryan, did my research by reading the Australian newspaper; that is where I found out about this. As I have indicated, I do not really know much more. But I can say that the caucus support unit is capable of having its affairs examined through the estimates process. You refer to a newspaper report on 9 March; I assume you used your capacities as a senator to pursue your questions at estimates hearings, where you could have sought information about their operations. I do not know whether you are saying to me that you did not bother or that it was not that important. It sounds like you may have forgotten or it was not important enough to ask about between 9 March and now. Are you telling me that you failed to bother to use your opportunity at estimates to ask those questions? If you did not bother to ask at estimates, I am happy to see what I can find out for you, Senator.