Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Ministers of State (Checks for Security Purposes) Bill 2019 on behalf of the opposition. I notice Senator Patrick's rather cowardly attack on the member for Hunter once again in this place. Can I suggest, Senator, that, if you are going to make these allegations, at least do them outside of parliament where people can at least have the opportunity to defend themselves from these allegations.

Senator Patrick interjecting—

I know, Senator Patrick, that you're trying to push yourself up on the Centre Alliance ticket in South Australia for the next election. I've seen the poor performance of your party at the last election, so I understand why you're doing it, Senator Patrick, but, again, can I offer you a little bit of advice? Try to focus on issues that affect South Australians, like the River Murray and like defence contracts. Stick to something that might try to improve the status of people in South Australia.

This bill seeks to impose security checks and processes on members of the executive and to allow the Prime Minister to receive this information confidentially in the form of reports from the Director-General of Security. As highlighted in the bill's explanatory memorandum, ministers occupy a position of both authority and trust in our democratic framework. Cabinet ministers are privy to the highest levels of sensitive material, including involving matters of national security and classified information. In the view of the opposition, the bill proposed by Senator Patrick does not achieve any of the substantial improvements to the ministerial or cabinet processes.

The bill highlights the contrast between public servants and ministerial staff acquiring security clearances and procedures while elected members and appointed ministers are exempt from this process. This ignores the obvious conventions in our democratic system that all elected members are placed under significant public scrutiny while seeking public office and in any subsequent election or re-election.

Senator Patrick interjecting—

I sat quietly and listened to Senator Patrick, Deputy President; could you please ask him to provide the same courtesy?