Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I would urge the leader of the Greens not to undermine the process that does exist, which is independent of government, and does enable a confidential complaint to be raised. It is important that the Department of Finance maintain those protocols and principles, which they do. Having had the chance, in the last couple of days, and reason to ask questions about how these processes apply, I don't find out as the responsible minister who has made a complaint or who the complaint is against, because the independence is upheld and is of paramount importance through that process. Employees should have confidence in that regard.

I would certainly welcome, Senator, if you want to talk to the Department of Finance about their processes, facilitating that type of meeting for you or anybody else across this building to make sure they have confidence that, if there are issues, complaints can be raised and put through the proper process.