Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Fatima Payman

I move:

That—

(1) There be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister:

(a) by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, all written determinations made under subsections 4(1) and 12(2) of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 since 23 May 2022; and

(b) by no later than the tenth day after the end of the preceding three month period commencing 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October any written determinations made under subsections 4(1) and 12(2) of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 after the day this order is agreed to.

(2) This order is of continuing effect.

Paul Scarr

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

Andrew McLachlan

Leave is granted for one minute.

Paul Scarr

The coalition believes that the longstanding convention relating to the provision of staff to non-government MPs and senators is an important one which Prime Minister Albanese has disrespected. Noting this breach of convention, it is important to obtain as much transparency as possible on this matter. Therefore, the coalition will support Senator Payman's motion.

Katy Gallagher

by leave—The government will oppose the motion. The allocation of personal staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act is reported and publicly accessible in the normal way through established processes, including during estimates. At no point would the government agree to release the personal or specific details of parliamentarians, staff or party groups.

Andrew McLachlan

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Payman be agreed to.