DOCUMENTS

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (15:19): Before I read this statement on behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, I'd just like to briefly inform the Senate that Senator Gallagher is not able to make this explanation because she has had to leave the Senate this afternoon for personal reasons.

She was able to deliver this explanation at the original time allotted on the daily program. I understand that Senator Gallagher has personally explained this to Senator Pocock. If me delivering this statement is not adequate, we'll work with Senator Pocock to find an agreeable time next week.

In relation to the ministerial attendance, consistent with our position on all motions related to this request, as Minister Gallagher has already made very clear, the report referenced in this motion is being used to inform government decisions at a cabinet level. Actual deliberations of the Executive Council or the cabinet are protected from disclosure. In this case, the report is the central document for those cabinet deliberations.

It has not been previously released or published, and a decision has not been made yet on the deliberations. The release prior to the finalisation of cabinet process would negatively impact those deliberations. I understand that Minister Gallagher has personally spoken to Senator Pocock and conveyed this in order to be upfront about the government's reasons for opposing this motion.

As she's said on a number of occasions, when the government has completed relevant deliberations the report will be released.