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Friday, 25 November 2011
Page: 9703

Senator BOB BROWN (Tasmania—Leader of the Australian Greens) (16:06): I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the following matter be referred to the Standing Committee of Privileges for inquiry and report:

Having regard to Senator Boswell's acceptance of a $30 000 donation from Metcash, and other such donations in previous years and his subsequent request, on 23 November 2010, for a parliamentary inquiry into the Australian Com­petition and Consumer Commission's decision to block the expansion of Metcash:

   (a)   whether any person, by the offer or promise of an inducement or benefit, or by other improper means, attempted to influence a senator in the senator's conduct as a senator, and whether any contempt was committed in that regard; and

   (b)   whether Senator Boswell received any benefit for himself or another person on the understanding that he would be influenced in the discharge of his duties as a senator, or enter into any contract, understanding or arrangement having the effect, or which may have the effect, of controlling or limiting the senator's indepen­dence or freedom of action as a senator, or pursuant to which the senator is in any way to act as the representative of any outside body in the discharge of the senator's duties.

Mr President, that motion—

The PRESIDENT: No, there is no right to speak to—

Senator Bob Brown: I seek leave to make a statement.

Leave not granted.