Senate debates

Wednesday, 12 September 2012

Committees

Economics References Committee; Reference

3:45 pm

Photo of Nick XenophonNick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Milne, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2012:

Allegations of corruption, bribery and maladministration in respect of the conduct of Securency International Ltd and Note Printing Australia, subsidiaries of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), with particular reference to:

  (a)   the dates and level of knowledge of the RBA in respect of these allegations and their governance procedures for dealing with such allegations;

  (b)   the actions taken by the RBA once it was made aware of these allegations and whether the actions were appropriate and timely in the circumstances;

  (c)   the involvement of Austrade in the activities of Securency International Ltd and Note Printing Australia;

  (d)   Austrade's knowledge of the allegations, including dates, and their actions thereto;

  (e)   the role of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in investigating these allegations, and whether ASIC acted in a timely manner in relation to these matters; and

  (f)   any other related matters.

Photo of Mark BishopMark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The question before the chair is that notice of motion No. 1, moved in the names of Senator Milne and Senator Xenophon, be agreed to.