Mr McMULLAN (2:41 PM) —My question is addressed to the Treasurer. Does the Treasurer's certificate prevent the release of a treasury note on the long-term projection of revenue as a percentage of GDP? Why won't the Treasurer allow the public to know his own department's assessment of the implications of his tax policy?

Mr COSTELLO (Treasurer) —The Freedom of Information Act provides for certain documents which should be released under the act and certain which should not—or may not—including internal working documents. That is set out in section 36. The issue of a conclusive certificate in relation to section 36, as I have previously disclosed, has occurred on a number of occasions—by Labor treasurers, assistant treasurers and in fact Labor ministers—because internal working documents are considered exempt documents under section 36.

Mr COSTELLO —In relation to that, as in relation to all freedom of information requests, where there is a dispute it goes to an independent adjudication by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. This will be argued in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. It will be argued according to law. That is the proper jurisdiction in which to determine the question.

The SPEAKER —Order! Let me point out to the member for Hotham that he was accustomed to a good deal of licence being extended to him in his former role. It may be Christmas week and I may be feeling charitable, but I would not advise him to push too hard the latter of the two forms of licence.

Mr McMullan — I seek leave to table a conclusive certificate issued by the Treasurer and associated schedules.

Leave granted.