Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Bernardi, as I was stating: in September 2015, the department engaged the services of a consultant with expertise in international space law, the global space environment and the policy implications of options to amend existing legislation. Due to the highly specialised nature of the work and the need for independence and rigorous advice, the consultant was selected by direct tender. The preferred supplier was, as you have articulated, Steven Freeland. He is a professor of international law at Western Sydney University, and is an internationally renowned legal academic and consultant who has been involved in multiple international collaborations on space law. I am also advised by the department that the consultancy services contract included a confidential information clause whereby the supplier agreed not to disclose to any person other than the customer any confidential information relating to the contract without prior written approval. This was never sought from the department. (Time expired)