Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

(1) That the Senate—

(a) notes that the order for production of documents no. 657 made on 18 November 2024, for the Minister representing the Minister for Communications to provide by 2 pm on Thursday, 21 November 2024, the proposed wagering advertising reform model, dated 8 August 2024, and the wagering advertising reform consultation—schedule of questions, dated 30 July 2024, has not been complied with; and

(b) rejects the claim of public interest immunity made by the minister on 20 November 2024 on the basis that:

(i) it does not comply with the Senate's requirement that such a claim should provide sufficient detail about the actual harm that would be caused by providing the information, and

(ii) the Minister is now advancing a different claim that is inconsistent with the previous freedom of information decision for the same documents.

(2) That there be laid on the table by 2 pm on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the documents so ordered in full compliance with the order made on 18 November 2024.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The response to this order from the Minister for Communications represents a new low for the Albanese government when it comes to transparency. Either documents enjoy the protection of being cabinet documents and need that protection to be maintained or they're not and don't. This minister is applying a new and opaque set of words—that release of documents may 'pre-empt' cabinet deliberations. This PII claim is disrespectful to Senator Lambie and, of course, disrespectful of the Senate. This government's apparent commitment to transparency is so opaque it even has light bending around it!

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

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 697, standing in the name of Senator Lambie, be agreed to.