Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Pocock for the question. On the issue, I think we have all been deeply shocked by the information that has been uncovered through that inquiry. Certainly, from my point of view, I'm deeply disappointed that processes that are put in place so that we can engage in reasonable and open discussion, confidentially, about how certain legislation is drafted and its potential impact—where we work with stakeholders not just through places like PwC but more broadly—have been compromised in this way. I've read all the emails that have been provided at Senator O'Neill's request, which have gone through to the committee, and I think they reflect very poorly indeed on PwC.

I know that the Treasurer has asked his secretary to provide advice to the government on what further steps are needed to respond to these matters, beyond the recommendations of the Tax Practitioners Board, and I have also asked my department some time ago to look at what can be done in the procurement framework and in contract management processes not only to ensure the integrity of suppliers but also to act as a very significant deterrent to this kind of behaviour occurring again. I haven't received that advice yet—we've been finalising the budget—but I expect that I will get it reasonably soon, and I'm happy to update you as I get it. My understanding is that the government doesn't directly engage through the departments and their contractual arrangements and that stopping those contractual arrangements where they exist is not an option available to— (Time expired)