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

I think it would be fair to say that it is not often that Senator Shoebridge and I are going to ever agree in this chamber. But, Senator Shoebridge, in relation to the response that has just been provided to the chamber by Senator Watt, I heartily agree with your comments. That was absolute tosh, nothing more and nothing less. Clearly, Senator Watt, on behalf of the Attorney-General of Australia, doesn't actually get the irony of what he was responding to—an order for the production of documents in relation to the resignation of the Freedom of Information Commissioner. One would think the mere fact that it was about the Freedom of Information Commissioner would actually trigger them, perhaps, as a government that allegedly believes in transparency and integrity, to be a little freer with the information that they provide. But, instead, all we got from Senator Watt on behalf of the Attorney-General was personal reflections in relation to ministers in the previous government. I often say, 'If you can't actually address the policy, why not just go for the person?' Well, guess what? That does not work when you are providing an explanation to the Australian Senate.

But I do note that the explanation was provided on behalf of the Attorney-General of Australia. The Attorney-General is someone who talks a very, very big game. But when it comes to practising what the Attorney-General himself loves to preach—to all Australians, not just to the legal fraternity—he fails in every regard, particularly in relation to the dismal response to the order for the production of documents.

I want to quote the Attorney-General from a speech he gave as we marked International Universal Access to Information Day, also known as Right to Know Day. This is the Attorney-General of Australia setting out the Albanese government's principles when it comes to access to information. He says:

This global event recognises the importance of the community's right to know and to access to government-held information.

It also reinforces the role of government in promoting transparency and accountability.

He then makes a comment in relation to the previous government. He says:

Regrettably, the previous government did not believe that Australians have a right to know.

But it's the next few words by which the Attorney-General will, unfortunately, stand damned. He says:

In contrast, the Albanese Government is committed to restoring public trust and strengthening standards of integrity in our federal government.

Well, he's certainly preaching. He continues:

Open access to information is essential for good decision-making, genuine engagement in democratic government, and combatting corruption.

Again, the bad news is that he's only preaching here. Then—in fact, I'd almost believe that I would have got something better than what was provided to the Senate—he says:

Citizens need this access to know how they are being governed.

He also says:

Today, we also acknowledge the importance of the Freedom of Information Act.

…   …   …

The proactive disclosure of government-held information promotes—

Colleagues, wait for it—

open government and advances our system of representative democracy.

The bad news for the Attorney-General of Australia—again, he loves to preach; he's well known for it, especially in legal circles around Australia—is that he is also known for the fact that he fails to practise. What was on display today was a justification by the minister representing the Attorney-General of Australia in relation to his failure to practise the standards that he so eloquently preaches to others around Australia when it comes to access to information but, not only that, the standards that he continues to tell Australians that Albanese government will be judged by.

This is how he concluded the speech:

I want to conclude by assuring you all that the Albanese Government is firmly committed to transparency and accountability, to ensure we have better government for all Australians.

What an absolute load of tosh, as Senator Shoebridge so eloquently said.