Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026

Senator GREEN (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) (10:40): Yes, that's correct. That is how it works under the current arrangements. There's no change to the fact that a conflict of interest can be identified and dealt with.

What we're dealing with is how it's dealt with. At the moment, a conflict of interest requires that the DPP takes a period of leave. This proposal enables that not to occur.

We think that's a more effective way and a way that it is dealt with in other types of agencies and, quite frankly, within the legal system and law firms. So this is an appropriate update to the legislation. As I said to you earlier, just to confirm for the Hansard record, this is not motivated by any particular proceeding or conflict.