AskTribune · ArchiveOpen AskTribune →

← Notes archive

SenateTuesday 18 August 2026

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:29): Can I say that you and Rex are most welcome to come out to the vineyard in the Clare Valley at any time. I know that you're spending a lot of time in South Australia, so that would be an opportunity to come and visit.

The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Lambie? Senator Lambie: Just so we're quite clear, on a point of order, I haven't been in South Australia for well over 12 months.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Lambie, that is a debating point. Senator FARRELL: You're welcome at any time, Senator Lambie. The government recognises freedom of information is a vital feature of our democracy, but the fact of the matter is that the system requires updating.

The system must be made more efficient and effective for those people who are genuinely seeking information to protect the safety of public servants, save taxpayers' money on vexatious requests and ensure that our freedom of information laws cannot be exploited. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Lambie, second supplementary?

SourceSenate, Tuesday 18 August 2026 — official recordTA-260818-senate-c7f1fa3d546f:s194