Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

I note that Senator Pocock has moved amendments (1) to (4) on Sheet 1769. There are also amendments (5) and (6) on Sheet 1769, which he has not moved, but I will speak to both.

The opposition will not be supporting the amendments put forward by Senator Pocock. As I've already referred to in relation to the previous amendments that were before the Senate, these amendments, in part, would expand the definition of corruption. They would require that the committee review the National Anti-Corruption Commission budget annually, and require the minister to provide a statement of reasons in the event that they did not act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee on the finance and resources. In terms of the latter part, the coalition believes budgetary decisions in relation to any government agency should be left to the government of the day. In terms of the other amendments, we believe that the government has got the balance right in relation to the definition of corruption.

I'd also refer to the comments I made in relation to addressing amendments put forward by the Australian Greens, particularly following the government amendment in the House following, again, the consensus recommendation of the joint select committee. As such, the coalition will not be supporting these amendments.