Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(a) the Senate notes:

  (i) the claims by academic Mr Clive Hamilton, author of the unpublished book, Silent Invasion, that he is experiencing difficulty proceeding with publishing his book critical of foreign influence in our institutions, including this Parliament, and

  (ii) in particular, his publisher's concern about being subject to significant court action financed by or at the behest of a foreign nation; and

(b) in the interests of free speech and Australian sovereignty, the Senate calls upon the Government to render such assistance to Mr Hamilton as to enable his claims to be considered or published.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the Attorney-General noted in question time yesterday, we are increasingly seeing public reports of the insidious effect of covert foreign affairs influence being directed against liberal democracies whether it is for interference in democratic elections or the stifling of free and open debate within our own community. That is why the coalition government will soon introduce a comprehensive suite of reforms to address a broad spectrum of foreign interference and covert political influence activity in Australia. The government is aware of the media reporting relating to Professor Clive Hamilton's latest book. The government does not propose to intervene in a commercial matter between Professor Hamilton and his publisher.

Question negatived.