David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hanson for this motion and I rise to offer a short contribution today. I've read the public reports and I recognise that there are very legitimate concerns about how these organisations have operated. This should not be taken lightly. I've been advised that the Department of Social Services is currently carrying out an investigation, the results of which will not be known before the proposed reporting date of this inquiry, which is 3 October this year. I'm very mindful that an inquiry at this time could prejudice any future potential prosecution. If the outcome is to seek justice for what has been alleged, then I believe the best course of action is to allow the investigation to be completed.

I won't be supporting Senator Hanson's motion today but I remain open to working with the Senate on ways the Senate can be assured that, through the investigations conducted, there is a pathway to a resolution in this place to hold them accountable for this.