Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to the proposed amendment (2) from the Labor Party, which would have the eligibility criteria for loans or financial assistance prescribed in rules which are disallowable instruments, the government believes this is an inappropriate mechanism through which to provide for the eligibility criteria for loans. We believe they are matters over which the executive arm of government should retain control as they have the potential to impact on the Commonwealth budget. We, therefore, believe it's appropriate that they are provided for in the bill as directions to the entity rather than as rules. We also believe that it's appropriate that they are not disallowable.