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

I move:

(1)That the Senate notes—

(a) the claims by academic Mr Clive Hamilton, author of the unpublished book, Silent Invasion, that he is experiencing difficulty proceeding with publishing his book critical of foreign influence in our institutions, including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

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

(c) the report in The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on 5 February 2018, that members of federal Parliament's national security committee, namely the members for Canning and Holt, have expressed support for using parliamentary privilege to enable the publication of the book.

(2) That 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) 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

The government supports the freedom of authors and publishers to publish works, including on controversial matters. Media reports on 6 February 2018 in multiple outlets indicate that Hardie Grant books has acquired world rights to Mr Hamilton's book and has set a publication date of 2 March 2018. Accordingly, it does not appear that Mr Hamilton requires any further assistance in relation to this matter. It would also be inappropriate and set an unwanted precedent for the government to direct an independent parliamentary committee, which is responsible for its inquiries and for accepting and releasing submissions.

Question negatived.