Senator CHRIS EVANS —My question is directed to Senator Newman, the Minister for Family and Community Services. Given the minister's concern at the public disclosure of Centrelink files, can the minister explain how 101 confidential social security files were dumped in two wheelie bins belonging to Harry's Hubcaps—a small business in the Queensland suburb of Brendale? How does she explain such irresponsible handling of files containing personal details of clients, their home addresses, details of complaints they had lodged with the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, personal correspondence outlining intimate details as well as the final recommendation of the appeals tribunal? Will the minister urgently investigate the matter and report back to the Senate on who dumped those confidential files in the wheelie bins, where the files came from and why they were not properly secured? Will she immediately institute an inquiry into this breakdown of privacy safeguards?

Senator NEWMAN (Family and Community Services; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women) —This question has just been asked by the opposition in the other place, and the minister responsible, Mr Anthony, has already responded. Nevertheless, for the benefit of the Senate, I would say that of course the government does not condone the exposure of private records to the public. Nevertheless, as you mentioned in your question, Senator, there were files of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal apparently in amongst these papers. Constituents who are going through or have been through the Social Security Appeals Tribunal process may well have all those records themselves and they may in fact have disposed of them.

Senator Robert Ray —All 101? What, 101 all together?

Opposition senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Evans has asked a question, and I am sure he is anxious to get an answer.

Senator NEWMAN —Madam President, I heard Senator Ray being loud on this issue from the back bench over there. He, of the members opposite, would well remember when Senator Richardson was asked to explain—

Senator Robert Ray —We remember what you said at the time.

Senator NEWMAN —I did not say anything at the time because I was not shadowing social security. I was more interested in how Senator Ray performed in his portfolio at the time. If the former Department of Social Security or the now Centrelink agency has not disposed of people's private records appropriately, that is a matter of grave concern not only for the opposition but also for the gov ernment. There are a variety of ways in which this sort of information may have reached the wheelie bins, and Mr Anthony will be investigating that matter immediately.

Senator Robert Ray —Not your problem, eh?

Senator NEWMAN —It is, of course, my problem, as the senior minister in the portfolio, but Mr Anthony—

Senator Robert Ray —Find a scapegoat—Mr Anthony.

Senator NEWMAN —I would have hoped that those who have been ministers in previous governments would understand something about the administrative arrangements in shared portfolios.

Senator Robert Ray —You didn't understand it.

The PRESIDENT —Senator Ray, you are persistently interjecting.

Senator NEWMAN —Senator Ray, who persists in making a loud noise for no good effect, should have done his research and know precisely where the immediate responsibility for the service delivery agencies in this portfolio is located: namely, Centrelink, the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service and the Child Support Agency are the responsibilities of the junior minister and I have overall responsibility, as you did, Senator Ray.

Senator CHRIS EVANS —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. I do not think the Australian community is interested in the minister buck-passing the issue; they want a serious answer to the question. Again, I ask the minister: will she undertake to report back to the Senate urgently after she has had the matter fully investigated? Will you report back or not? Will you accept your responsibilities?

The PRESIDENT —Senator, your question should be asked through the chair and not directly across the chamber.

Senator NEWMAN (Family and Community Services; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women) —I have already expressed my concern, as has Mr Anthony. An inquiry will be undertaken by Mr Anthony, and when that is available, obviously, the Senate will be informed of the outcome.