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Monday, 4 July 2011
Page: 3988

IP Australia

(Question No. 676)

Senator Abetz asked the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, upon notice, on 31 May 2011:

With reference to issues arising between Mr Peter John Wilkshire and IP Australia and given that the Minister states 'an internal review was conducted by the Director General of IP Australia' in correspondence to the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Dr Kelly) on 17 January 2011:

(1) Was the inquiry formal or informal.

(2) Was the inquiry and its findings ever committed to paper and/or in writing.

(3) How was the inquiry conducted.

(4) With whom did the Director General discuss the matter during the inquiry.

(5) From what sources did the Director General glean his information and who was interviewed.

(6) To whom did the Director General report his findings.

(7) Can a full account be provided of how the Minister became aware of the review, for example, was it by a written brief from IP Australia to the Minister or verbally third hand.

Senator Carr: The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The inquiry was informal.

(2) No.

(3) A review of files and correspondence associated with Mr Wilkshire's case was conducted.

(4) The Director-General discussed the matter with the officers involved.

(5) The Director-General's information came from correspondence from Mr Wilkshire, the hearings decisions and material associated with the case.

(6) The Director-General informed Mr Wilkshire of his findings via correspondence.

(7) The Minister became aware of the review when responding to correspondence from Dr Kelly on behalf of Mr Wilkshire.