Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That these bills be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—

INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY EXPENSES AUTHORITY (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 2017

This Bill supports the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017 by addressing consequential matters that would arise from the enactment of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Act 2017.

The Bill would provide exemptions to the freedom of information scheme established under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority in relation to documents requesting that the Authority give personal advice relating to parliamentary work related travel expenses and allowances to parliamentarians and their staff. The exemption also extends to any other documents connected with the performance of those functions.

These exemptions are intended to ensure that the Authority can provide frank advice to parliamentarians and their staff, and to encourage parliamentarians and their staff to engage with the Authority at an early stage to seek guidance where they are unsure of their travel expenses or allowances.

Debate adjourned.

I move:

That resumption of the debate be made an order of the day for a later hour.

Question agreed to.