Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this amendment. I'd like to inform the chamber that I had very detailed discussions with shadow minister Burney in the other place. It was a matter she raised to me when she came to speak to me about this particular bill. I give an undertaking to the shadow minister that I would investigate any specific situation that the shadow minister was aware of where somebody had sought a review and the review had come back and indicated they had a decrease in payment. I'm still waiting for Ms Burney to come back to me. In any situation in this place, if there has been a detrimental outcome or an outcome that has been delivered through my department that has caused concern to somebody's constituent, my door remains open. As I said, I have never received any advice from Ms Burney about any instance where this has happened, despite the fact it has been spoken about. I have asked as part of the review process that this issue be considered. I am happy to have a look at any situation. If Senator Pratt has a particular case she would like me to undertake an investigation on, I'm more than happy to do so. But do not come in here and talk about hypotheticals when I am unaware whether you're aware of anybody who has received a review that has resulted in a decreased payment being undertaken. My understanding of the situation as it currently exists is if an error has been made by my department in an assessment resulting in the review, showing that—

Senator Pratt interjecting—

I'm telling you that now, Senator Pratt. In any circumstance where the review has resulted in a mistake by the independent assessor or by my department where a lower amount has been recommended underneath the review, the payment has not been reduced.

The CHAIR: Senator Pratt, can I just clarify, did you wish to formally move amendment (1) or are you wishing to move your amendments together?