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

Thank you to Senator Paterson for his question. Senator Paterson would know—and I'm sure he knew this when he stood to ask the question—that we do not disclose the workings of the National Security Committee of Cabinet. What I would say to him is that directors-general of both of those organisations are fine officers and their advice is sought and considered very carefully by government, including by me. I'm aware that there have been some, outside of this place, who have chosen to be critical of some members of our intelligence community. As a minister who has the opportunity to engage with, rely on and consider their advice, I would say that they are highly professional, excellent officers and we are very pleased that they work with us as well as they do.