CHAIR —I declare open this meeting of the Senate Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident. Today the committee continues its public hearings in relation to its inquiry. The terms of reference set by the Senate are available from secretariat staff, and copies have been placed near the entrance to the room. Today's hearing is open to the public. This could change if the committee decides to take any evidence in private. The committee has authorised the broadcasting of the public aspects of proceedings. I remind members that there will be a private meeting of the committee during the dinner break. The waiting room two doors down is for witnesses only and is a private area to which the press and the public have no access. I remind everyone that mobile phones are to be switched off in the hearing room.

Witnesses are reminded that the evidence given to the committee is protected by parliamentary privilege. It is important for witnesses to be aware that the giving of false or misleading evidence to the committee may constitute a contempt of the Senate. If at any stage a witness wishes to give part of their evidence in camera, they should make that request to me as Chair, and the committee will consider the request. Should a witness expect to present evidence to the committee that reflects adversely on a person, the witness should give consideration to that evidence being given in camera. The committee is obliged to draw to the attention of a person any evidence which, in the committee's view, reflects adversely on that person and to offer that person an opportunity to respond.

An officer of a department of the Commonwealth shall not be asked to give opinions on matters of policy. However, officers may be asked to explain government policy, describe how it differs from alternative policies and provide information on the process by which a particular policy was arrived at. When witnesses are first called upon to answer a question, they should state clearly their names and positions. Witnesses will be asked to make an oath or affirmation. Where witnesses are accompanied by counsel, counsel may be seated at the witness table but counsel may not answer questions on behalf of the witness, nor will the committee direct any questions to counsel.

[9.39 a.m.]