Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee - Melbourne, VIC
18 May 2026
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Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Australian Parliament
22:32 - 23:16
Speaker 2
Open the second hearing of the Senate Foreign Affairs Defense and Trade References Committee's inquiry into the management of defense and state assets. I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians in the land of the which... On which we meet and pay my respects to their elders past and present. I extend that to... That respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.
The committee will be conducting today's hearing in person and via teleconference. I'm senator Collins, chair of the committee, and I'm joined in the room by deputy chairs, senator Lushkoni and senator Shuberge. Senators Lambie and McLaughlin, will also be joining us via teleconference. These are public proceedings being audio streamed live via the parliament's website, and a hands up transcript is being made. I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee, they are protected by parliamentary privilege.
23:17 - 23:55
Speaker 4
It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee, and such action may be treated by the senate as a contempt. It is also a contempt to give false or misleading evidence. Witnesses also have a right to request to be heard in camera. The senate has resolved that an officer of the department of the Commonwealth or of a state shall not be asked to give opinions on matters of policy and shall be given reasonable opportunity to refer questions asked of the officer or to superior officers or to a minister. This resolution does not preclude questions asking for explanations of policies or factual questions about when and how policies were adopted.
23:57 - 24:25
Speaker 2
Witness objects to answering a question they should state the ground upon which the objection is made and the committee will determine whether it will insist on an answer having regard to the ground which is claimed. If the committee determines to insist on an answer, a witness may request that an answer be given in camera. Commonwealth officers appearing today are also reminded of the senate order specifying the process for which a claim of public interest immunity should be raised. A copy of the order is available from the secretary. I remind senators of the obligations...
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