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) (18:41): Perhaps it's better to answer the question in this way. I guess the proposition in your question is that there were conflicts that weren't able to be dealt with. I don't think that's the evidence that's been given to you or this parliament.

I think what we've suggested that this is a more effective way to deal with conflicts of interest. Rather than requiring the Commonwealth DPP to take a leave of absence, enabling certain functions, powers or proceedings to be dealt with by someone else is a much more efficient way to deal with it. I'm not entirely sure whether or not there have been particular examples, but the most important thing is that the current system is to take leave from the role entirely.

We just don't think that is effective. That's the evidence I've given to the parliament before.