Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to a question from Senator Sherry yesterday, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer has provided some additional information, and it is this: it is not possible to give the revenue collected for 2005-06 on end benefits taxes as it will not be known until some time after 30 June 2006. The estimated impact on the fiscal balance of the proposals is included in the document A plan to simplify and streamline superannuationthat is a booklet that I have in my hand.

Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Banking and Financial Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Where is it?

Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Page 26.

Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Banking and Financial Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the Senate take note of the further answer given by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (Senator Coonan) to a question without notice asked by me on 10 May 2006 relating to the 2006-07 Budget and to superannuation and the end benefits tax.

Just briefly, I have read that booklet that the minister has referred to. It gives a gross or aggregate figure as to the changes that were announced in the budget but it does not provide the information that I sought in respect to revenue figures from the exit tax. The minister’s response from the Assistant Treasurer is disingenuous, inaccurate and highly misleading.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I rise on a point of order. Is it competent for the minister to leave the chamber when Senator Sherry was following up on her answer seeking the information he requested? It seems to me the height of arrogance for the minister to walk out while Senator Sherry was seeking to gain that information from her, which was not provided in her original answer.

Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thought he was seeking leave to make a comment on the minister’s answer. I did not believe he was asking another question. I think the Hansard will show his query and I am sure the minister will have it brought to her attention.

Question agreed to.