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Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Page: 2776

Australia Network

(Question No. 944)

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 18 August 2011:

(1)   Prior to the Cabinet's consideration of the Australia Network tender, who was the designated decision-maker for the tender.

(2)   Assuming that the designated decision-maker was not Cabinet, on what legal basis was the decision-maker stripped of that role.

(3)   Prior to the former decision-maker being stripped of this role had a decision been made as to who would be the successful tenderer.

(4)   Who is now the decision-maker.

Senator Conroy: The Minister for Foreign Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

In the period since Senator Johnston submitted Question on Notice 944 on 18 August 2011, the Government terminated the Australia Network tender process and instituted an investigation by the Australian Federal Police due to leaks of confidential information. The Auditor-General has also decided to conduct a performance audit of the administration of the Australia Network tender processes. As the Questions on Notice go to matters being considered by the Australian Federal Police and Australian National Audit Office, it would not be appropriate to comment.