Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Collins, I move:

That the Senate:

(a) adopt the recommendation in the 160th report of the Committee of Privileges, on the use of CCTV material in Parliament House, that no contempt be found in relation to the matter referred; and

(b) adopt the following further recommendations made by the committee:

• That the Presiding Officers instigate the development of a new Code of Practice which restores the focus on matters of security and safety, and emphasises accountability to the Presiding Officers and the Parliament, with appropriate regard for the primacy of the powers, and immunities of the Houses and their members.

• That the review process involve consultations with members and senators and other building occupants, and give consideration to the matters dealt with in this report.

• That senior officers in the Department of Parliamentary Services involved in the administration of the CCTV system and other systems managed on behalf of the Parliament undertake some structured training to acquaint themselves with the principles of privilege.

• That the attention of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee be drawn to the matters set out from paragraph 2.2, under the heading Contradictory evidence, relating to the misleading evidence given at its estimates hearing on 26 May 2014.

When Senator Collins tabled this report at the close of sittings last year, there was no opportunity to move its adoption. The Senate did however give Senator Collins leave to incorporate her tabling statement. The effect of the motion I move today is for the Senate to adopt the recommendations of the committee. If no other senator wishes to speak at this time, I seek leave to continue my remarks.

Leave granted.

Ordered that the report be adopted.