Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to a question asked of me by Senator Brandis last Thursday, 13 March 2008, I table the transcript of the press conference given by the Attorney-General last week. This goes to the terms of reference of the inquiry. I also add that whomever Mr Clarke meets with in conducting the inquiry is ultimately a matter for Mr Clarke. Mr Clarke would be able to seek meetings with persons overseas if he considers they may have relevant information, and they could also choose to make submissions. The focus of this inquiry is not on overseas agencies but on how our Australian agencies are operating and working together. Obviously, our intelligence and law enforcement agencies work closely with overseas agencies in counterterrorism investigations. However, the Australian government does not control foreign agencies. We make no apology for keeping the inquiry focused on an area where the Australian government is in a position to make improvements, to ensure public confidence in the way our Australian agencies operate.

As I indicated earlier, I have taken the opportunity to table the transcript of the media conference for assistance in answering the question.