Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is also to the minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Senator Birmingham. I refer to reports that the now Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Angus Taylor, met with the then Minister for the Environment's, Mr Frydenberg's, office and departmental officials in 2017 about a compliance action relating to his private land holdings. Can the minister confirm a company in which Mr Taylor has an interest, Jam Land Pty Ltd, is now being investigated by the Department of the Environment and Energy in relation to the alleged illegal land clearing of critically endangered grasslands?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm aware of some of the media reports on these matters, which I saw some time ago. Senator Wong, you're referring to something that just happened in the House. I'm aware of prior media reports in relation to these matters. I'm aware that responses were given at the time and that general representations in relation to constituent matters had been made on this matter. Beyond that, if there are additional details I will take the question on notice and bring them back to the chamber.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, a supplementary question.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister confirm that an officer from the compliance unit examining the alleged illegal land clearing by Jam Land Pty Ltd was present at the meeting which Mr Taylor attended with departmental officials and Mr Frydenberg's office on 20 March 2017?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't have a briefing that goes to any specific meetings on 20 March 2017. I will take the question on notice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, a final supplementary question.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why was it appropriate for Minister Taylor to meet with an officer from the unit examining the alleged illegal land clearing by Jam Land Pty Ltd, a company in which he has a financial interest? And why was it appropriate for Minister Frydenberg's office to arrange the meeting?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again point out to the Senate that, in relation to earlier media queries on this matter, my understanding is that assurances were given. Only representations in relation to general matters affecting the electorate were made. If there are any specifics to be added to that, I will bring those matters back to the chamber.