Mr McClelland asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 24 August 1999:

(1) Has either the Australian Government Solicitor or his Department been requested to provide advice regarding the application to vehicles operating under the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS) , established under the Interstate Road transport Act, of load limit signs or other instruction issued under a law of a State or Territory which purport to limit the maximum axle-masses, gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass at which all vehicles may use a designated section of carriageway, or a bridge; if so, (a) when was that advice requested, (b) by whom was it requested, (c) of whom was it requested, (d) to whom was that advice provided and (e) when was the advice provided.

(2) Has advice been requested specifically regarding the application of such signs or instructions in a situation where FIRS vehicles are otherwise authorised to travel at axle-mass, gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass limits which differ from those provided under the law of a Sate or Territory; if so, (a) when was that advice requested, (b) by whom was it requested, (c) of who was it requested, (d) to whom was the advice provided and (c) when was the advice provided.

Mr Williams (Attorney-General) —I provide the following answer to the honourable member's question:

It has been the general practice of successive governments not to disclose whether specific legal advice has been provided to government for the purpose of developing government policy or making specific government decisions, nor to make available such legal advice.

However, I can assure the honourable member that the Government has received appropriate legal advice on issues relating to the operation of the Interstate Road Transport Act 1985.