Notice given 17 February 2012

*1558  Senator Abetz: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations—With reference to comments made by the Minister on the Fairfax Radio Network on 13 February 2012 in relation to a meeting with Qantas:

(1) When was the Minister briefed by Qantas.

(2) Was the Minister aware that items discussed in the meeting may be commercial-in-confidence.

(3) Why did the Minister choose to release the information.

(4) Did the Minister seek the permission of Qantas prior to publically speaking on the matter.

(5) If permission was not obtained, is the Minister concerned about the message this may send to the business community concerning the Minister’s management of market sensitive information.

*1559  Senator Cormann: To ask the Minister representing the Treasurer— 

(1) For each of the financial years 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, and for the period 1 July 2011 to 1 February 2012:

(a) how many private ruling applications has the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) received;

(b) how many private rulings were approved;

(c) can a breakdown be provided detailing the private ruling applications in terms of small business, large business and individuals;

(d) can a breakdown be provided detailing the private ruling applications by state;

(e) how many applications have been resolved within:

(i) 28 days, and

(ii) 60 days; and

(f) how many bankruptcy, insolvency and receivership proceedings have been instigated by the ATO.

(2) Is the ATO limiting payment plans to 2 years; if so, why.

 *1560  Senator Siewert: To ask the Minister representing the Attorney-General—Given that on 5 January 2012 Terrance Briscoe, an Aboriginal man, died in the Alice Springs watch-house after being arrested for drunkenness, and that the investigation into his death is being carried out by the Northern Territory Coroner, Greg Cavanagh, while the police are responsible for collecting all evidence and witness statements:

(1) Is the Minister aware of: (a) calls for an independent investigation into the death of Terrence Briscoe while in police custody; and (b) a letter sent to the Minister on 2 February 2012.

(2) Is the Minister aware that in Queensland, following three inquests into the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee, the Coroner rather than the police now investigates deaths in custody.

(3) Will the Minister commit to ensuring that investigations into deaths in custody will no longer be undertaken by police where police are involved.

(4) Is the Minister aware that, 20 years after the release of the report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the majority of the Royal Commission’s recommendations have not been fully implemented; if so, what does the Minister intend to do to address this.