Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Senator McCarthy. On Monday last week, 12 August, during question time, in answer to a question on the use of Commonwealth infrastructure funding to cover cost blowouts in the context of CFMEU lawlessness, you said:

The minister has also embedded new assurances and protections in the federation funding agreement that the Commonwealth has negotiated with the states, which was finalised on 11 August.

The very next day, Tuesday 13 August 2024, in answer to another question, you repeated those exact same words. Minister, do you stand by the answer that you told this parliament—not once but twice last week—that the agreement was finalised on 11 August?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Scarr for the question. Senator Scarr, I certainly stand by the comments that I've been advised on in relation to the infrastructure portfolio.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a first supplementary?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McCarthy, I note that you were given an opportunity to provide some additional comment, but you've chosen to stand behind your answer. I ask you to carefully consider that answer. If the Commonwealth has, in fact, negotiated the new land transport infrastructure federation funding agreement with the states, which you say was finalised on 11 August 2024, why isn't it on the website and how many states have actually signed it?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I see what this is about. You're worried about a website—that there are no details, according to you, on a website, Senator Scarr. Let me say—

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

How many states have signed up?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order!

Opposition senators interjecting—

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

They don't want to hear the answer. You ask a question and you don't want to listen. You don't want to hear, Senator for Tasmania; you clearly don't care about it either.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Ruston, which part of 'order' does not apply to you?

Senator McKenzie! Minister McCarthy, please continue.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can see the interest is about the website. If I go back to the primary question, the answer that I gave last week still remains the same: the Commonwealth has negotiated with the states, which was finalised on 11 August.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr, a second supplementary?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My interest is not in the website; it's in whether or not the agreement has been finalised—and that means to me that each of the states has actually agreed to the agreement. Otherwise, how else could it be finalised? Minister, could you please explain whether or not all of the states have actually agreed to the infrastructure funding agreement? If not, which ones have not?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will pick up on the fact that you said you're not worried about a website—you actually are, Senator Scarr. You actually raised that in your first supplementary. However, let's not put the facts in the way of a good story here. The FFA outlines the states' and territories' responsibility to ensure value for money for public funds. The minister has embedded new assurances and protections in the federation funding agreement, which you do not want to hear.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order across the chamber! I realise you're on your feet, Senator Scarr, but I would appreciate it if senators—particularly on your side, but not solely on your side—came to order. Senator Scarr, on a point of order?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Relevance. Which states have agreed to the agreement?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do believe the minister is being relevant and I'll continue to listen carefully.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The advice I have given, which I continue to give, is the advice that I've given you, Senator Scarr. If I am provided with further advice on that, I'll bring it back to you.

Honourable senators interjecting—