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

The finance department process is an important process because it is conducted independently, thoroughly and rigorously in terms of the approach that Finance takes. As I said in this chamber yesterday, the process is independent in the manner in which I, for example, as the minister am not informed of the details of complaints that are made, and that's a crucial part of its independence. I'm only aware of the complaint that was referenced in response to Senator Farrell because the complainant herself chose to make the matter public via the media. That underlines and underscores the independence and impartiality of the process. In terms of officials elected to this place, as Senator Waters is well aware, the standards, privileges and procedures in relation to elected officials are unique. It is important that we ensure that there is a process for complaints to be heard and investigated and for assistance to be offered to the individuals concerned through not just those processes but also other processes.