Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Again, I'm happy to take the question, and I'm very pleased you like asking me questions, but this is obviously within Senator Farrell's portfolio, as the Special Minister of State. I will do my best to respond to you, Senator Waters. You are correct: I think people have been appalled by some of the reports that we have had about the behaviour of some of those firms. Senators, including Senator O'Neill and others, have rightly made comment about that. In relation to your comment about the Public Service, I think Senator Gallagher as Minister for Finance and Minister for the Public Service is working very hard to strengthen the Public Service, because we do share the view about the importance of a capable and independent public service. In relation to the political donation point, I understand JSCEM, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, provided an interim report. It has recommended introducing real-time disclosure of political donations and lowering the disclosure threshold. I understand that this report is something that Senator Farrell will be and is discussing with all parties represented in this place. I hope that we can see appropriate reforms arising out of the JSCEM report that are capable of being supported by parties across this chamber, because I agree with you—donations do go to both the perceived and actual integrity of democracy and of voting. We saw, particularly in the last election, some very large donations from some individuals had effect. (Time expired)