Question Time AU

Bill Debate · In Committee

Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026; In Committee

Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator David Shoebridge moved an amendment on behalf of Senator Lambie to amend the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987. The proposal sought to ensure that royal commissions could draw inferences from parliamentary proceedings when their terms of reference required an examination of government. Shoebridge argued this would allow commissioners to use public parliamentary reports to inform their recommendations. The amendment was negatived by the chamber.

Outcome

The amendment was negatived.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Shoebridge moved the amendment to insert a new subsection into the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987. The change aimed to prevent parliamentary privilege from restricting the admission of evidence derived from parliamentary proceedings for royal commissions examining government conduct. Shoebridge referenced Commissioner Kaldas's interim report to support the necessity of this access. Shoebridge stated the amendment would enable royal commissions to use public parliamentary reports to craft their findings and recommendations.