Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. Minister, given the Prime Minister’s assertion that he will crack down on MP consultancies and work outside of parliament, does the minister think it is appropriate for a member of parliament to appear in advertisements promoting their own business?

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What we have seen in recent days is a debate about the appropriate line between parliamentarians performing their official functions and their engagement in other functions unrelated to their role as parliamentarians. It is a debate that has seen the public very strongly of the view that we ought to see parliamentarians working full time on their responsibilities and that they keep a very clear demarcation between business or other activity and their role as parliamentarians. I know Mr Vaile was the subject of much publicity surrounding his activities. So it is important, and that is why the Labor Party is very much committed to accountability measures. Senator Faulkner is working very hard on a whole range of initiatives concerning lobbyists, ministerial accountability, freedom of information—a whole range of measures that seek to provide greater transparency and greater accountability.

We have had, as you know, declarations of interest by senators and members for some time now. That has been a very useful development. A few of our senators, particularly on the other side, have fallen foul of that over the years. I think now there is a much greater understanding by senators of their obligations in terms of declarations of interest. These are issues that are very much at the forefront of public debate. It is appropriate that politicians act appropriately and that we are clear that there is a declaration—

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ronaldson on a point of order?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On relevance, Mr President, can I just remind the minister of the question: does the minister think it appropriate for a member of parliament to appear in an advertisement promoting their own business?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Very simple—yes or no!

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order, Senator Abetz! I do not need that advice. The minister is generally answering the context of your question, Senator Ronaldson, and I think he should be allowed to continue. But I would remind the minister of the question.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. As I was saying, I think these questions of accountability in public life are very important. As I say, Senator Faulkner is committed to implementing the Rudd government’s commitment to that. In terms of any hypothetical case that Senator Ronaldson wishes to raise—

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not aware of what he is referring to, so I cannot comment on that. But I think it is important that everyone in the parliament focus on the importance of accountability and also focus on their responsibilities as elected members of parliament and that they choose to be very careful if they are to not apply themselves full time to their duties as parliamentarians. My personal view is that we ought to be very careful about potential conflicts of interest.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. ‘Hypotheticals’ they are not, Minister. Can you guarantee to the Senate that Mr Trevor, the member for Flynn, has not used Australian government resources to continue conducting his Chris Trevor and Associates conveyancing business? I seek leave to table an advertisement from the Gladstone Observer ‘Property Week’ of Saturday, 23 February, 2008.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, it is not granted. They have not seen to the courtesies.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sorry, leave is not granted.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order!

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on my left! I did ask whether leave was granted, Senator Evans, and nobody said no until you did just then. Leave is not granted, Senator Ronaldson.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in a point of order, Mr President.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would ask you to put the paper down. Put the paper down!

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I heard the minister say very clearly that they would accept the tabling of this advertisement. The answer is no now, is it?

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On the point of order, Mr President, what I indicated to you was that the Labor government would have accepted the tabling if the normal courtesies had been shown. If the senator shows it to the Government Whip and if it is what he claims it to be and it is in order, we will allow him permission to table it. He is well aware of the courtesies involved in these matters. I always try and facilitate senators tabling if possible. As long as the normal courtesies are applied, then that matter should be easily resolved.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Leave was not granted, but you have heard the offer from the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator Evans, do you wish to answer the supplementary question?

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Look, there is nothing really I can add. I am not aware of the charge. I am not sure there will be any substance to the claims made by the senator. His allegation that there is an ad and then somehow that it follows that government resources have been used I think is a pretty long bow. But, as I say, there are other ways for the senator to raise these issues if he wants to bring it forward in the parliament.