Minister for Communications

Fatima Payman

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 27 February 2026, copies of all ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters, briefing notes, meeting agendas, file notes, meeting invitations, meeting notes, meeting minutes, emails and instant/electronic messages between the Minister for Communications and/or her office, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner in relation to the Minister for Communications' travel to New York in September 2025 with a member of her staff and a public servant.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to move an amendment to this motion that would omit all words after 'That' and insert two new paragraphs: one which notes that orders for the production of documents is one of the Senate's most serious powers and should be used when other processes have been exhausted rather than for fishing expeditions; and that senators seeking to order the production of documents should consider paragraph (a) and refine their orders accordingly.

Paul Scarr

A point of order, President. If the amendment is in the form circulated in the chamber, I query and seek direction from you, President, as to whether there's any need to read the amendment as if it were a statement.

Sue Lines

I will check with the Clerk, although I do note that there were questions about the last amendment that required Minister Gallagher to explain herself. I am advised that there is no specific rule to prevent any senator from reading their amendment. Is leave granted to move the amendment? Leave is granted. Minister.

Katy Gallagher

I move the amendment:

Omit all words after "That", insert:

(a) orders for the production of documents is one of the Senate's most serious powers, and should be used when other processes have been exhausted rather than for fishing expeditions; and

(b) senators seeking to order the production of documents should consider paragraph (a) and refine their orders accordingly.

Sue Lines

The question is that the amendment as moved by Minister Gallagher to general business notice of motion 321 be agreed to.