Additional Comments from Senators Scullion, Heffernan, McGauran and Nash

The coalition senators register their dissatisfaction with the actions of the minister in refusing to allow departmental officials to answer questions asked by the committee when it was apparent that the information requested was at hand.

The minister had to be reminded a number of times of his obligations under standing orders to either provide the information or clearly state the grounds under which the question could not be answered. Despite the committee's actions and the provision of advice from the Clerk of the Senate being required for both estimates sessions this year, the minister's actions remain obstructive to the operation of the committee.

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