Executive Remuneration

Fatima Payman

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister for the Public Service, by no later than 5 pm on Monday, 19 October 2026, anonymised copies of all responses and submissions made to the Remuneration Tribunal's consultation paper entitled 'Remuneration of Departmental Secretaries'.

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) on 2 July 2026, the Senate agreed to order for the production of documents no. 552, relating to the Base Services Transformation Program, requiring the Minister representing the Minister for Defence to comply by midday on Monday, 3 August 2026,

(ii) on 30 July 2026, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme provided an interim response from the Minister for Defence, advising that additional time was required to comply with the order, and

(iii) the order has not been complied with; and

(b) requires the Minister representing the Minister for Defence to comply with the order by 10 am on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

Matt O'Sullivan

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Matt O'Sullivan

The coalition supports the review of secretaries' remuneration to ensure arrangements remain fair, transparent and aligned with contemporary expectations. We look forward to the outcomes of the review due to report in 2027. However, this motion seeks access to confidential submissions that were provided in good faith to inform the review process. Similar to the operation of parliamentary committees, we should respect the confidentiality of these submissions, and, as such, the coalition does not support this motion.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business motion No. 710 standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.