Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Pratt, in response to the questions that you have raised—which, I understand, are in relation to the amendments that will be moved by the Australian Greens tonight—the government amendments to the bill, I am instructed, include a requirement for the number of exemptions given to classes of screening officers issued by the secretary to be reported in the department's annual report. Reporting the number of exemptions given by the secretary is appropriate for the annual report. The additional information that would be required would require a level of detail to be included in the annual report that is not appropriate. The additional information being requested may be sensitive in nature and indicate a situation that may be subject to exploitation by persons intent on causing harm to the aviation or maritime industry. Should senators require the additional information proposed in the amendments, I am instructed that you are correct; senators will have the opportunity to ask the department during estimates hearings throughout the year, but we will obviously be opposing what the Greens will put forward.