Report, date tabled
| Reference*
| Findings, recommendations, action by Senate
|
1st Report: Unauthorised Publication of Draft Committee Report, PP No. 163/1971
Tabled 13/5/1971, J.605
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Chairman of Select Committee on Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse (Senator Marriott) and agreed to 4/5/1971, J.555
| Findings
the publication prior to presentation to the Senate of contents of report constituted a breach of the privileges of the Senate
the editor and publisher of the relevant newspapers were the responsible and culpable persons
the Senate has the power to commit to prison, to fine, to reprimand or admonish, or to otherwise withdraw facilities held, by courtesy of the Senate, in and around its precincts
Recommendations
that the editor and publisher be reprimanded
that any such breach in future be met by a much heavier penalty
Action by Senate
Report adopted 13/5/71, J.606; persons attended and reprimanded 14/5/71, J.612
|
2nd Report: Executive Government Claim of Privilege, PP 215/1975
Tabled 7/10/1975, J.936
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Withers, amendment moved by Leader of Government in the Senate (Senator Wriedt, amendment negatived, motion agreed to 17/7/1975, J.836
| Findings
no breach of privilege involved (majority report)
claims of executive privilege were misconceived but that no action should be taken by the Senate (dissenting report)
Action by Senate
motion for adoption of dissenting report debated 17/2/77 (J.571)
|
3rd Report: Security in Parliament House, PP 22/1978
Tabled 30/5/1978, J.207
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Senator Button, amendment moved by Senator Chaney agreed to, motion as amended agreed to 4/4/1978, J.88-9
| Recommendations
resolutions should be passed by both Houses to establish the police authority for Parliament’s own protection
external and internal policing of Parliament should be within the jurisdiction of one force
a position of security coordinator, directly responsible to the Presiding Officers, should be permanently created
certain methods of identification of members and visitors should be instituted
an effective protection system is necessary for Parliament House and its occupants
details of the agreed system should be incorporated in standing orders
Action by Senate
report noted 17/8/1978, J.310
|
4th Report: Quotation of Unparliamentary Language in Debate, PP No. 214/1979
29/5/1979, J.748
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Senator Georges and agreed to 29/5/1979, J.748
| Finding
question not a matter of privilege
Recommendation
matter should be referred to Standing Orders Committee for consideration
Action by Senate
report adopted 20/9/1979, J.936
|
5th Report: Imprisonment of a Senator, PP No. 273/1979
30/8/1979, J.901-2
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Senator Georges and agreed to 30/8/1979, J.901-2
| Finding
imprisonment of a certain senator did not attract the privilege of freedom from arrest
Recommendations
that certain resolutions relating to notification of detention of senators should be agreed to
if resolutions agreed to, Commonwealth and State Presiding Officers and Attorneys-General should confer upon action to be taken to secure compliance
Action by Senate
resolutions agreed to 26/2/1980, J.1153
|
6th Report: Harassment of a Senator, PP No. 137/1981
26/5/1981, J.271-2
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Senator Harradine and agreed to 26/5/1981, J.271-2
| Finding
contempt found but no action recommended other than adoption of report
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/10/1981, J.591
|
7th Report: Unauthorised Publication of Committee Evidence taken in camera, PP No. 298/1984
17/10/1984, J.1243
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Chairman of Select Committee on the Conduct of a Judge (Senator Tate) and agreed to 14/6/1984, J.992; motion moved by Chairman of Committee of Privileges (Senator Childs) and agreed to 27/8/1984, J.1029
| Findings
publication constituted serious contempt of Senate
editor and publisher of relevant newspaper should be held responsible and culpable for the publication
author of articles culpable for the contempt
publications were based on unauthorised disclosure by unknown person(s), and that such disclosure, if wilfully and knowingly made, constitutes serious contempt of Senate
that committee would report on the question of penalty after persons affected place submissions before committee
Action by Senate
report adopted 24/10/1984, J.1295
|
8th Report: Question of Appropriate Penalties Arising from the 7th Report of the Committee, PP No. 239/1985
23/5/1985, J.3174
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Chairman of Standing Committee of Privileges (Senator Childs) and agreed to 27/2/1985, J.64
| Recommendations
that no penalty be imposed at that time but that if further offence committed within the remainder of the session of Parliament consideration be given to imposing an appropriate penalty for present offence
that legislation be introduced to put the power of the Houses of Parliament to fine beyond doubt
|
9th Report: The Improper Disclosure and Misrepresentation by a Departmental Officer of an Amendment Prepared for Moving in the Senate, PP No. 506/1985
16/9/1985, J.454
| Referred by Senate: Motion moved by Senator Haines and agreed to 23/4/1985, J.193
| Recommendation
that matter be not further pursued
Action by Senate
report adopted 18/9/1985, J.470
|
10th Report: Detention of a Senator, PP No. 433/1986
5/12/1986, J.1571
| Referred by Senate: Motion moved by Senator Reynolds and agreed to 13/11/1985, J.594
| Recommendations
that certain resolutions be passed
that the Senate give consideration to the alteration of the immunity from arrest and detention
Action by Senate
resolutions agreed to 18/3/1987, J.1693-4
|
11th Report: The Circulation of Petitions, PP No. 46/1988
2/6/1988, J.843
| Referred by Senate: advisory report; President determined precedence to notice of motion 15/3/1988; motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Chaney) 16/3/1988; amendment moved by Senator Collins agreed to, motion as amended agreed to 16/3/1988, J.556
| Findings
that the circulation of petitions is not absolutely privileged and is probably not subject to qualified privilege
that a change to the law would be required if Parliament were to determine that circulation of petitions should be privileged
that the circulation of petitions containing defamatory matter should not be privileged
that the circulation of most petitions requires no special protection and that therefore no change to present law is warranted
Action by Senate
report noted 2/11/1988, J.1065
|
12th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Mr T Motion, PP No. 385/1988
7/12/1988, J.1264
| Referred by President: 30/11/1988
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 13/12/1988, J.1297
|
Report 13: Person Referred to in the Senate - Mr I R Cornelius, PP 386/1988
14/12/1988, J.1314
| Referred by President: 12/12/1988
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 14/12/1988, J.1314
|
14th Report: Possible False or Misleading Evidence and Manipulation of Evidence before Senate Committees - Travel by Aboriginal Community Representatives, PP No. 461/1989
28/2/1989, J.1385
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 7/11/1988, motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Chaney) and agreed to 8/11/1988, J.1098-9
| Findings
that on evidence available to the Committee
no false or misleading evidence was given to Estimates Committee E in relation to attendance of officers,
there was no attempt to manipulate the evidence laid before the Select Committee, and
therefore no contempt was committed
Action by Senate
report noted 12/4/1989, J.1549
|
15th Report: Possible False or Misleading Evidence before a Senate Estimates Committee - Department of Defence Project Parakeet, PP No. 461/1989
6/3/1989, J.1433-4
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 5/12/1988, motion moved by Senator MacGibbon and agreed to 6/12/1988, J.1247
| Findings
as there was no intention to give false or misleading evidence to a Senate Estimates Committee, no contempt committed
Action by Senate
report noted 12/4/1989, J.1549
|
16th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Mr C Wyatt, PP No. 461/1989
5/5/1989, J.1606
| Referred by President: 11/4/1989
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 5/5/1989, J.1606
|
17th Report: Possible Improper Interference with a Witness - Drugs in Sport Inquiry, PP No. 461/1989
5/6/1989, J.1792
Finding separately reported to Senate 11/5/1989, J.1662
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 8/12/1988, motion moved by Chairman of Environment, Recreation and the Arts Committee (Senator Black), by leave, and agreed to 8/12/1988, J.1276-7
| Finding
because requisite intention not established, no contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 4/10/1989, J.2087-8
|
18th Report: Possible Interference with Witnesses in Consequence of their giving evidence before Senate Select Committee on Administration of Aboriginal Affairs, PP No. 461/1989
16/6/1989, J.1921
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 2/11/1988, motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Chaney) and agreed to 3/11/1988, J.1070
| Findings
in relation to term of reference (1)(a) (resolution of 23 May 1988) no contempt committed
in relation to term of reference (1)(b) (Presentation of papers and submissions) no contempt committed
in relation to term of reference (1)(c) (resolution of no confidence in Mrs S McPherson) in particular circumstances of case finding of contempt should not be made
in relation to paragraph (1)(d) (proposed transfer of Mr M O’Brien) no contempt committed
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 4/10/1989, J.2087
|
19th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Sir Charles Court, PP No. 461/1989
27/10/1989, J.2171
| Referred by President: 25/9/1989
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 27/10/1989, J.2171
|
20th Report: Possible Unauthorised Disclosure of Senate Committee Report, PP No. 461/1989
21/12/1989, J.2445
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 17/8/1989, motion moved by Senator Hamer, at the request of Senator Teague, and agreed to 18/8/1989, J.1961
| Findings
that a finding of contempt should not be made in light of all circumstances
that no further action should be taken
Recommendations
that the President draw paragraph 6(16) of the Privilege Resolutions and standing order 37 to the attention of Senators
that a proposal for the early tabling of committee reports when the Senate meets in the mornings be referred to the Procedure Committee for consideration
Action by Senate
Findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 16/5/1990, J.96-7
|
21st Report: Possible Adverse Treatment of a Witness before the Select Committee on the Administration of Aboriginal Affairs, PP No. 461/1989
22/12/1989, J.2465
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 9/3/1989, motion moved by Senator P Baume, debated and agreed to 9/3/1989, J.1458-9
| Findings
that there was adverse treatment of Mr M Pope by Messrs Wyatt and Stewart partially in consequence of Mr Pope’s having given evidence to a Senate Committee
that a contempt was committed in each case although not serious
Recommendation
that in the light of apologies no further action should be taken
Action by Senate
Notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings 22/12/1989, J.2466. Fresh notice given 9/5/1990, J.37. Findings endorsed 16/5/1990, J.97
|
22nd Report: Possible Unauthorised Disclosure of Senate Committee Submission, PP No. 45/1990
9/5/1990 J.41
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 5/12/1989, motion moved by Chairman of Select Committee on Health Legislation and Health Insurance (Senator Crowley) and agreed to 6/12/1989, J.2321
| Finding
that in the light of circumstances no finding of contempt should be made
Recommendations
that an appropriate warning about conditions of disclosure be given in public advertisements calling for submissions, in notes to witnesses, and in letter acknowledging receipt of submissions
that persons making submissions be notified when submissions are publicly released by a committee
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendations adopted 23/5/1990, J.130
|
23rd Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Mr A E Harris, PP No. 45/1990
25/5/1990, J.144
| Referred by President: 26/2/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted and noted 25/5/1990, J.146
|
24th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Dr P Ingram Cromack, PP No. 438/1990
19/9/1990, J.293
| Referred by President: 18/7/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 19/9/1990, J.293
|
25th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Mr A E Harris, PP No. 438/1990
17/10/1990, J.345
| Referred by President: 23/8/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 17/10/1990, J.345
|
26th Report: Possible Misleading Evidence before a Senate Estimates Committee - Department of Defence Asbestos in Royal Australian Navy Ships, PP No. 438/1990
8/11/1990, J.398
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 23/8/1990, motion moved by Senator Newman and agreed to 24/8/1990, J.250-1
| Finding
no contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 14/11/1990, J.449
|
27th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Sir William Keys, PP No. 438/1990
29/11/1990, J.493
| Referred by President: 26/11/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted, J.493, motion to take note, J.494 29/11/1990; report noted 5/12/1990, J.510
|
28th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Mr C H Cannon, PP No. 438/1990
19/12/1990, J.644
| Referred by President: 11/12/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 19/12/1990, J.644
|
29th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —The Honourable Tom Uren PP No. 438/1990
19/12/1990, J.646
| Referred by President: 17/12/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 19/12/1990, J.646
|
30th Report: Possible Improper Influence or Penalty on a Witness in respect of Evidence before a Senate Committee, PP No. 258/1991
6/3/1991, J.812
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 17/10/1990, motion moved by Chairman of Environment, Recreation and the Arts Committee (Senator Crowley) and agreed to 18/10/1990, J.359
| Finding
no contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 7/3/1991, J.831
|
31st Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Sir William Keys, PP No. 258/1991
11/3/1991, J.842
| Referred by President: 11/12/1990
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 11/3/1991, J.842
|
32nd Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Ms Patsy Harmsen, PP No. 258/1991
21/6/1991, J.1280
| Referred by President: 19/6/1991
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 21/6/1991, J.1280
|
33rd Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Dr Alex Proudfoot, FRACP, PP No. 470/1991
3/9/1991, J.1452
| Referred by President: 21/8/1991
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 3/9/1991, J.1452
|
34th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Ms Jeannie Cameron, PP No. 470/1991
14/11/1991, J.1726
| Referred by President: 13/11/1991
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 14/11/1991, J.1726
|
35th Report: Report on Work Since Passage of Privilege Resolutions of 25 February 1988, PP No. 467/1991
2/12/1991, J.1811
| General report
| Action by Senate
report noted 26/3/1992, J.2133
|
36th Report: Possible Improper Interference with a Witness and Possible Misleading Evidence Before the National Crime Authority Committee, PP No. 194/1992
25/6/1992, J.2623
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to notice of motion 8/11/1990, motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Hill) and agreed to 12/11/1990, J.410
| Finding
committee determined that no contempt should be found
Recommendations
that sections 51 and 55 of the National Crime Authority Act 1984 should be clarified
that any conflict between accountability of statutory bodies to Parliament and secrecy requirements should be resolved during passage of legislation through Parliament
that the Scrutiny of Bills Committee might appropriately draw such provisions to the attention of Parliament
that urgent consideration should be given to legislation such as the Parliamentary Privileges Amendment (Effect of Other Laws) Bill 1991
that the Senate should warn persons dealing with Houses of Parliament and their committees to direct attention to the real effects of their actions, and in particular to answer committees’ questions as fully and frankly as possible
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendations adopted 17/12/1992, J.3427
|
37th Report: Possible Improper Interference with Witnesses before the Community Affairs Committee, PP No. 235/1992
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to motion 2/4/1992, motion moved by Chair of Community Affairs Committee (Senator Zakharov) and agreed to 2/4/1992, J.2178
| Finding
no finding of contempt can or should be made
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 17/12/1992, J.3427
|
38th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —The Honourable Paul B Toose, PP No. 540/1992
13/10/1992, J.2891
| Referred by Deputy President: 6/10/1992
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
Report adopted 13/10/1992, J.2891
|
39th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Mr Dale E Hennessy, PP No. 540/1992
30/11/1992, J.3158
| Referred by President: 24/11/1992
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
Report adopted and noted 17/12/1992, J.3426
|
40th Report: Persons Referred to in the Senate - Ms Margaret Piper, Ms Eve Lester and Mr Seth Richardson, PP No. 40/1992
17/12/1992, J.3426
| Referred by President: 14/12/1992
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted and noted 17/12/1992, J.3426
|
41st Report: Person Referred to in the Senate —Mr R.S. Lippiatt, PP No 82/1993
12/5/1993, J.126
| Referred by President: after consultation with Committee of Privileges, 26/8/1992
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
Report adopted 12/5/1993, J.126
|
42nd Report: Possible Adverse Treatment of a Witness before the Corporations and Securities Committee, PP 85/1993
27/5/1993, J.310
| Referred by Senate: Deputy President determined precedence to motion 8/10/1992, motion moved by Senator Bell, at the request of Senator Spindler, and agreed to 12/10/1992, J.2879
| Findings
In respect of charge F -
laying the charge could deter other witnesses from appearing before other committees
laying the charge had the effect of penalising a witness for having given evidence in a private capacity to a committee
a contempt was committed in laying charge
In respect of charges A to E -
charges A to E were not laid with the intention of penalising the witness, nor did the laying of these charges have such an effect
on the evidence, no contempt was involved in the laying of charges A to E
Recommendations
that the Senate endorse the findings
that no penalty should be imposed in respect of the identified contempts
that the Senate pass a resolution relating to the study by senior public servants of the operation of Parliament and their accountability to Parliament
Action by Senate
report noted 27/5/1993, J.310; notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings and adopt recommendations, 27/5/1993, J.310-11
Findings and recommendations
debated 30/9/1993, J.557; amendment moved by Senator Cooney, negatived, findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 21/10/1993, J.684; President’s response 16/3/1994, J.1413; Government response 22/8/1995, J.3650
|
43rd Report: Possible Threats to Senate Select Committee or Senators, PP 389/1993
15/12/1993, J.1028
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to motion 4/5/1993, motion moved by Senator Reynolds and Senator Walters and agreed to 5/5/1993, J.67
| Finding
committee did not find that contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 3/2/1994, J.1198
|
44th Report: Possible Improper Interference with or Misleading Reports of Proceedings of Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, PP 390/1993
15/12/1993, J.1028
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to motion 8/8/1993, motion moved by Chair of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (Senator Cooney) and agreed to 30/8/1993, J.405
| Finding
committee did not find that contempt committed
Recommendation
that The Watchdog Association Incorporated place an appropriate notification of the matters raised in this report, and the Committee’s conclusions, in The Watchdog Reporter as soon as possible after the Senate has considered and adopted this recommendation
Action by Senate
finding endorsed, recommendation adopted 3/2/1994, J.1198
Watchdog Association complied with Senate order 15/3/1994, J.1394
|
45th Report: Person referred to in the Senate —Mr T.T. Vajda, PP 4/1994
7/2/1994, J.1208
| Referred by President: 28/1/1994
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 7/2/1994, J.1209
|
46th Report: Possible False or Misleading Information given to Estimates Committee E or the Senate, PP 43/1994
2/3/1994, J.1342
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to motion 28/9/1993, motion moved by Senator Ferguson and agreed to 29/9/1993, J.528
| Finding
committee determined that it should not find that contempt committed
Action by Senate
Finding endorsed 24/3/1994, J.1524
|
47th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Councillor Michael Samaras, PP 112/1994
31/5/1994, J.1713
| Referred by President: 11/5/1994
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 2/6/1994, J.1746
|
48th Report: Possible Improper Disclosure of Document or Proceedings of Migration Committee, PP 113/1994
8/6/1994, J.1778
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence to motion 25/11/1993, motion moved by Chair of Migration Committee (Senator McKiernan) and agreed to 25/11/1993, J.901
| Finding
committee did not find that contempt committed
Recommendation
that question of journalistic ethics be referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Action by Senate
finding endorsed, recommendation adopted 30/6/1994, J.1999
|
49th Report: Parliamentary Privileges Amendment (Enforcement of Lawful Orders, Bill 1994, PP 171/1994
19/9/1994, J.2160
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; Motion moved by Leader of the Australian Democrats (Senator Kernot) 12/5/1994, agreed to 12/5/1994, J.1683
| Recommendation
that the Bill not be proceeded with
Action by Senate
report noted 19/9/1994, J.2160
|
50th Report: Possible Improper Interference with a Witness and Possible False or Misleading Answers given to the Senate or a Senate Committee, PP 322/1994
8/12/1994, J.2767
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 19/5/1993. Motion moved by Senator Watson and agreed to 20/5/1993, J.214
| Findings
that a threatening call was made to a witness and this constituted a serious contempt. The Committee was unable to discover the source of the call.
the witness suffered penalty or injury but the Committee could not establish whether this was as a result of his giving evidence to a committee
answers and evidence to the Senate and committees did not constitute a contempt
Recommendations
that the Senate request the Comptroller-General of Customs to circulate copies of this report to all senior officers of the Australian Customs Service
that the following matter be referred by the Senate to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee:
- continuing scrutiny of the implementation of recommendations contained in the Conroy Report entitled Review of the Australian Customs Service, tabled in the Senate on 8/2/1994.
Action by Senate
findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 2/2/1995, J.2863
|
51st Report: Possible Penalty or Injury to a Witness before the Employment, Education and Training Committee, PP 4/1995
7/2/1995, J.2899
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 30/5/1994. Motion moved by Senator Crane and agreed to 31/5/1994, J.1711
| Finding
committee did not find that contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 2/3/1995, J.3008
|
52nd Report: Parliamentary Privileges Amendment (Enforcement of Lawful Orders, Bill 1994 Casselden Place Reference, PP 21/1995
1/3/1995, J.2984
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; motion moved by Senator Spindler and agreed to 22/6/1994, J.830-31
| Action by Senate
Report noted 2/3/1995, J.3008
|
53rd Report: Possible Threat to a Senator, PP 44/1995
22/3/1995, J.3107
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 19/10/1994. Motion moved by Senator Parer and agreed to 20/10/1994, J.2342
| Finding
committee did not find that contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 23/3/1995, J.3136
|
54th Report: Possible Unauthorised disclosure of a submission to the Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority, PP 133/1995
30/6/1995, J.3602
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 2/3/1994. Motion moved by Deputy Chairman of Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority (Senator Amanda Vanstone) and agreed to 3/3/1994, J.1359
| Findings
that a submission and letter from a WA Police Superintendent received in camera by the Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority was improperly disclosed and that such disclosure constituted a serious contempt
the committee was unable to establish the source of the improper disclosure, owing to the constraints on its capacity to examine members of the SA legislature responsible for publishing and referring to the two documents in each house
Recommendation
if the source of the improper disclosure is subsequently revealed, that the matter again be referred to the committee, with a view to a possible prosecution for an offence under s.13 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987
Action by Senate
findings endorsed and recommendation adopted 24/8/1995, J.3694
|
55th Report: Possible Penalty or Injury to a Witness Before the Standing Committee on Industry, Science, Technology, Transport, Communications and Infrastructure, PP 134/1995
30/6/1995, J.3602
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 27/10/1993. Motion moved by Chair of Industry, Science, Technology, Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Committee (Senator Childs) and agreed to 18/11/1993, J.812
| Findings
that a statement issued by the NT Minister for Health and Community Services could be regarded as constituting a threat to Dr Philip Nitschke
that Dr Philip Nitschke was penalised by the Royal Darwin Hospital through the failure to offer him an early contract for 1994 as a Resident Medical Officer
that the threat was not made and penalties were not imposed in consequence of Dr Nitschke’s appearance before the Senate Standing Committee on Industry, Science, Technology, Transport, Communications and Infrastructure
committee determined that no finding of contempt be made
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 24/8/1995, J.3694
|
56th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Ms Yolanda Brooks, PP 135/1995
30/6/1995, J.3602
| Referred by President: 20/6/1995
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
Report adopted 24/8/1995, J.3694
|
57th Report: Possible Penalty or Injury Imposed on Witnesses before the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation, PP 183/1995
17/10/1995, J.3937
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 16/12/1993. Motion moved by Senator West, on behalf of Superannuation Committee, and agreed to 16/12/1993, J.1073
| Finding
committee determined not to make finding that contempt committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 19/10/1995, J.3984
|
58th Report: Possible Improper Interference with a Witness before Select Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases, PP 476/1995
26/10/1995, J.4069
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 29/6/1995. Motion moved by Senator Foreman, on behalf of Chair of Select Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases (Senator Murphy), and agreed to 30/6/1995, J.3600
| Finding
no contempt of the Senate committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 9/5/1996, J.146
|
59th Report: Person Referred to in the Senate - Mrs Esther Crichton-Browne, PP 475/1995
1/12/1995, J.4345
| Referred by President: 22/11/1995
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 9/5/1996, J.146
|
60th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of documents or private deliberations of the Select Committee on the Dangers of Radioactive Waste, PP 9/1996
30/4/1996, J.31
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 29/6/1995; motion moved by Chair of Select Committee on the Dangers of Radioactive Waste (Senator Chapman) and agreed to 30/6/1995, J.3600
| Finding
no question of contempt involved
Recommendation
that a resolution be adopted for committee proceedings following unauthorised disclosure of proceedings
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendation adopted 20/6/1996, J.361
|
61st Report: Possible false or misleading statements to Senate Select Committee on Public Interest Whistleblowing, PP 10/1996
30/4/1996, J.32
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 9/3/1995; motion moved by Chair of Select Committee on Public Interest Whistleblowing (Senator Murphy) and agreed to 21/3/1995, J. 3084
| Finding
no finding of contempt should be made
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 20/6/1996, J.361
|
62nd Report: Committee of Privileges 1966-1996: History, Practice and Procedure, PP 108/1996
21/8/1996, J.481
| General report: presented to the President of the Senate on 28 June 1996
| Action by Senate
report noted 25/9/1997, J.2527
|
63rd Report: Possible false or misleading evidence before Select Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases, PP 360/1996
5/12/1996, J.1212
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 24/6/1996; motion moved by Chair of Select Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases (Senator Murphy) and agreed to 25/6/1996, J.385
| Finding
no finding of contempt should be made
Action by Senate
Finding endorsed 29/5/1997, J. 2041
|
64th Report: Possible false or misleading evidence before the Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee, PP 40/1997
19/3/1997, J.1635
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 22/8/1996; motion moved by Chair of Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee (Senator Patterson) and agreed to 9/9/1996, J.532
| Finding
no contempt of the Senate has been committed
Recommendation
that the Senate reaffirm the accountability of statutory authorities to Parliament
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendation adopted 29/5/1997, J.2042
|
65th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Dr Neil Cherry, PP 48/1997
25/3/1997, J.1759
| President: 5/3/1997
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 25/3/1997, J.1759
|
66th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Ms Deborah Keeley, PP 89/1997
29/5/1997, J.2038
| President: 22/4/1997
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 29/5/1997, J.2038
|
67th Report: Possible threats of legal proceedings made against a Senator and other persons, PP 141/1997
3/9/1997, J.2412
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 22/8/1995; motion moved by Senator Boswell and agreed to 23/8/1995, J.3665
| Findings
contempt of the Senate committed by the threat of legal proceedings against a person; no contempt involved in the threat of legal proceedings against a senator
Action by Senate
notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings 3/9/1997, J.2412
findings endorsed 22/9/1997, J.2456
|
68th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Mr Ray Platt and Mr Peter Mulheron, PP 158/1997
23/9/1997, J.4278
| Referred by President: 21/7/1997 and 7/8/1997
| Recommendation
that responses be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 23/9/1997, J.4278
|
69th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Dr Clive Hamilton, PP 183/1997
21/10/1997, J.2659
| Referred by President: 29/9/1997
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 21/10/1997, J.2659
|
70th Report: Questions arising from proceedings of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority, PP 68/1998
6/4/1998, J.3623
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; motion moved, by leave, by Senator Ferris and agreed to 26/6/1997, J.2257
| Recommendation
that the NCA Committee consider seeking amendment to sections 51 and 55 of the National Crimes Authority Act or that parliament consider declaratory enactment
Action by Senate
report noted 28/5/1998, J.3882
|
71st Report: Further possible false or misleading evidence before Select Committee on Unresolved Whistleblower Cases, PP 86/1998
26/5/1998, J.3839
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 4/12/1997; motion moved by Senator Woodley and agreed to 5/12/1997, J.3240
| Finding
no contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 28/5/1998, J.3881
|
72nd Report: Possible threat of proceedings against Dr William De Maria, PP 117/1998
30/6/1998, J.4110
| Referred by Senate: Documents tabled by President 25/8/1997; motion moved, by leave, by Senator Bourne and agreed to 4/9/1997, J.2438
| Findings
the University of Queensland, in taking action against Dr William De Maria as a direct consequence of his communication with the Senate through Senator Woodley, committed a contempt
the committee would regard it as unsafe to conclude that Dr De Maria should be found in contempt of the Senate
Recommendation
that no penalty be imposed
Action by Senate
notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings 30/6/1998, J.4110-11
findings endorsed and recommendation adopted 1/12/1998, J.225
|
73rd Report: Possible improper interference with a potential witness before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund, PP 118/1998
30/6/1998, J.4111
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 1/10/1997; motion moved by Senator Bolkus and agreed to 2/10/1997, J.2611
| Finding
no contempt has been committed
Recommendations
that the statutory powers and functions of the Australian Law Reform Commission be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee for inquiry and report
that Senate resolution of 21 October 1993 (see report 42 above) be reaffirmed and that the Senate seek a specific report, in a year’s time, from each Commonwealth department, on how the terms of the resolution have been complied with.
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendations adopted 1/12/1998, J.225
|
74th Report: Possible Unauthorised Disclosure of Parliamentary Committee Proceedings, PP 180/1998
9/12/1998, J.360
| Advisory Report: incorporating reports on six contempt matters referred to the Committee – listed below
| General Recommendation
that the question of publication of committee deliberations be referred to Procedure Committee
Action by Senate
notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings and adopt recommendations 9/12/1998, J.360
findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of documents of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 23/10/1997; motion moved by Senator Evans, at the request of Senator Bolkus, and agreed to 27/10/1997, J.2717
| Finding
no contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosures of a report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 28/10/1997; motion moved by Senator Abetz (also on behalf of Senator Ferris) and agreed to 29/10/1997, J.2759
| Finding
contempt of the Senate has been committed
Recommendation
that no penalty be imposed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendation adopted 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of a document of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 19/11/1997; motion moved by Senator McGauran and agreed to 26/11/1997, J.2991
| Finding
the circumstances do not warrant a finding that a contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of a report of the Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 25/11/1997; motion moved by Senator Evans, at the request of Senator Schacht, and agreed to 26/11/1997, J.2991
| Finding
that no contempt has been committed by certain persons but that a contempt has been committed by an unidentified officer, or officers, of a public service department
Recommendation
that no penalty be imposed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendation adopted 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of a draft report of the Economics References Committee
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 11/3/1998; motion moved by Chair of Economics References Committee (Senator Jacinta Collins) and agreed to 12/3/1998, J.3379
| Finding
a contempt of the Senate has been committed by a person or persons who disclosed a draft report of the Economics References Committee, but the Committee is unable to discover the source of the improper disclosure
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 15/2/1999, J.428
|
74th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority on the Committee’s third evaluation of the National Crime Authority
9/12/1998, J.360
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 30/6/1998; motion moved by Senator McGauran and agreed to 2/7/1998, J.4162
| Finding
it is likely that a contempt of the Senate has been committed, but the Committee has determined not to take matter further
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 15/2/1999, J.428
|
75th Report: Execution of Search Warrants in Senators’ Offices, PP 52/1999
22/3/1999, J.581
| Advisory report: Reference received from the Senate Procedure Committee 1/12/1998
| Recommendation
that the general guidelines between the Australian Federal Police and the Law Council of Australia should form the basis for discussion between the Presiding Officers and the Attorney-General
Action by Senate
recommendation adopted 25/3/1999, J.633
|
76th Report: Parliamentary Privilege - Precedents, Procedures and Practice in the Australian Senate 1966-1999, PP 126/1999
22/6/1999, J.1061
| General report
| Action by Senate
report noted 26/8/1999, J.1585
|
77th Report: Persons Referred to in the Senate - Certain Faculty Members of Greenwich University, PP 151/1999
28/6/1999, J.1350
| Referred by President: 27/5/1999
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 28/6/1999, J.1350
|
78th Report: Possible improper use of proceedings of Community Affairs References Committee, PP 183/1999
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 27/5/1999; motion moved by Chair of the Community Affairs References Committee (Senator Crowley) and agreed to 27/5/1999, J.947
| Findings
Terms of reference (a) and (b): no adjudication required
Term of reference (c): no contempt committed
Term of reference (d): no contempt found
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 23/9/1999, J.1739
|
79th Report: Possible false or misleading statements tabled in the Senate - Discontinuation of inquiry, PP 196/1999
29/9/1999, J.1792
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 6/5/1997; motion moved by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Faulkner), at the request of Senators Bolkus and Margetts, and agreed to 7/5/1997, J.1855-56 [Inquiry not to commence until conclusion of investigations and any legal proceedings]
| Recommendation
that the inquiry be not further pursued
Action by Senate
report adopted 30/9/1999, J.1811
|
80th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Board members and staff of Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc, PP 358/1999
21/10/1999, J.1986
| Referred by President: 13/10/1999
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 21/10/1999, J.1986
|
81st Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Dr Chris Atkinson and Dr Chris Harper, PP 373/1999
30/11/1999, J.2159
| Referred by President: 9/11/1999
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 30/11/1999, J.2159
|
82nd Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Ms Christine Bourne, PP 374/1999
30/11/1999, J.2159
| Referred by President: 10/11/1999
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 30/11/1999, J.2159
|
83rd Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Mr Raymond Rose, Principal, Bridge Business College, PP 375/1999
30/11/1999, J.2159
| Referred by President: 10/11/1999
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 30/11/1999, J.2159
|
84th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of draft parliamentary committee report, PP. 35/2000
7/3/2000, J.2374
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 1/9/1999; motion moved by Senator O’Brien, at the request of Chair of Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education References Committee (Senator Collins), and agreed to 2/9/1999, J.1636
| Findings
that persons disclosed without authority draft report of a committee
that persons to whom the report was disclosed should have been aware, and probably were aware, of the status of the document
that departmental training was inadequate
that the handling of the draft report constituted culpable negligence and therefore a contempt was committed
Recommendations
that arrangements be made for ministerial and shadow ministerial staff to attend seminar on parliamentary procedure
that committees mark and transmit draft reports appropriately
that no penalty be imposed
Action by Senate
notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given that Senate endorse findings and adopt recommendations 7/3/2000, J.2374
findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 15/3/2000, J.2447
|
85th Report: Possible intimidation of a witness before the Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education References Committee, PP 36/2000
7/3/2000, J.2374
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 11/8/1999; motion moved by Senator O’Brien, at the request of Chair of Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education References Committee (Senator Collins), and agreed to 12/8/1999, J.1481
| Findings
that an officer of a Shire Council improperly interfered with and penalised another officer as a consequence of participation in committee proceedings
that therefore a contempt was committed
Recommendation:
that no penalty be imposed
Action by Senate
notice of motion given for next day of sitting not less than 7 days after the day on which notice given - that Senate endorse findings and adopt recommendations 7/3/2000, J.2374
findings endorsed and recommendations adopted 15/3/2000, J.2448
|
86th Report: Alleged threats to a witness before the Select Committee on A New Tax System, PP 39/2000
13/3/2000, J.2424
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 6/12/1999; motion moved by Senator Allison and agreed to 7/12/1999, J.2189
| Finding
the circumstances do not warrant a finding that a contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 16/3/2000, J.2485
|
87th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Mr R.T. Mincherton, PP 40/2000
13/3/2000, J.2424
| Referred by President: 8/3/2000
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
report adopted 13/3/2000, J. 2424-5
|
88th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Mr N. Crichton-Browne, PP 71/2000
10/4/2000, J.2585
| Referred by President: 30/3/2000
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 10/4/2000, J.2585
|
89th Report: Senior Public Officials’ Study of Parliamentary Processes - Report on Compliance with Senate Order of 1 December 1998, PP 79/2000
13/4/2000, J.2632
| Advisory report
| Action by Senate
report noted 13/4/2000, J.2632
|
90th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Dr Malcolm Colston, PP 113/2000
5/6/2000, J.2723
| Referred by Deputy President: 19/4/2000
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 5/6/2000, J.2723
|
91st Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Mr Noel Crichton-Browne, PP 119/2000
19/6/2000, J.2797
| President: 30/5/2000
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 19/6/2000, J.2797
|
92nd Report: Matters arising from 67th Report of the Committee of Privileges, PP 150/2000
29/6/2000, J.2997
| Advisory report
| Chair’s statement Hansard 29/6/2000 p. 16040
Action by Senate
report noted 17/8/2000, J.3114
|
93rd Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of in camera proceedings of the Economics References Committee, PP 179/2000
28/8/2000, J.3126
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 11/5/2000; motion moved by Senator Calvert, at the request of Senator Gibson, and agreed to 11/5/2000, J.2704-5
| Finding
the circumstances do not warrant a finding that a contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 31/8/2000, J.3181
|
94th Report: Matters arising from 67th Report of the Committee of Privileges(2) – Possible Senate representation in court proceedings, PP 198/2000
4/9/2000, J.3192
| Advisory report
| Recommendation
that the Senate authorise the President, if required, to engage counsel as amicus curiae if either the action for defamation against Mr David Armstrong or a similar action against Mr William O’Chee is set down for trial.
Action by Senate
recommendation adopted 4/9/2000, J.3192
|
95th Report: Penalties for Contempt - Information Paper, PP 199/2000
4/9/2000, J.3193
| Advisory report
| Action by Senate
report noted 5/10/2000, J.3321
|
96th Report: Possible misleading evidence to and improper interference with witnesses before the Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education Legislation Committee, PP 118/2001
25/6/2001, J.4393
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 27/2/2001; motion moved by Senator Collins and agreed to 28/2/2001, J.3980
| Finding
no evidence to support any conclusion that a contempt has been committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed9/8/2001, J.4650
|
97th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Mr Terence O’Shane, PP 131/2001
28/6/2001, J.4458
| Referred by President: 28/6/2001
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 28/6/2001, J.4458
|
98th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Alderman Dr John Freeman, PP 166/2001
27/8/2001, J.4765
| Referred by President: 7/8/2001
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 27/8/2001, J.4765
|
99th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Securities, PP 177/2001
30/8/2001, J.4834
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 26/6/2000 Motion moved by Chair of Corporations and Securities Committee (Senator Chapman) and agreed to 27/6/2000, J.2098
| Findings
that person(s) who disclosed in camera evidence to a journalist, and Nationwide News Pty Ltd, as the organisation responsible for the actions of the journalist, have committed contempt
Penalty
if person(s) discovered – possible fine or prosecution under the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987;
Nationwide News Pty Ltd – that Senate administer a serious reprimand
Action by Senate
findings endorsed and penalty imposed 18/9/2001, J.4866
|
100th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of draft report of Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee, PP 195/2001
19/9/2001, J.4882
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 25/6/2001; motion moved by Senator Calvert, at the request of Chair of Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee (Senator Payne), and agreed to 26/6/2001, J.4405
| Findings
that person(s) who disclosed a draft report to a journalist, and Nationwide News Pty Ltd, as the organisation responsible for the actions of the journalist, have committed contempt
Penalty
no penalty should be imposed
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 26/9/2001, J.4974
|
101st Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Staff and faculty of Greenwich University, PP 215/2001
26/9/2001, J.4976
| Referred by President: 17/9/2001
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 26/9/2001, J.4976
|
102nd Report: Counsel to the Senate, PP 307/2002
26/6/2002, J.492
| Referred by Senate: motion moved by Chair of the Privileges Committee, Senator Ray, and agreed to 20/3/2002, J.244
| Conclusion
that a proposal to appoint counsel on a retainer, while desirable, is not efficacious
Action by Senate
report noted 22/8/2002, J.646
|
103rd Report: Possible improper influence and penalty on a senator, PP 308/2002
26/6/2002, J.492
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 6/8/2001; motion moved by Leader of the Government (Senator Hill), at the request of Senator Tambling, and agreed to 7/8/2001, J.4597
| Findings
that the Northern Territory Country Liberal Party purported to direct a senator as to how he should exercise a vote in the Senate and imposed a penalty on him in consequence of his vote
that while these actions were reckless and ill-judged, on balance a contempt should not be found
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 22/8/2002, J.646
|
104th Report: Possible false or misleading evidence before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund, PP 309/2002
26/6/2002, J.492
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 18/9/2001; motion moved by Senator McGauran, at the request of Chair of Native Title Committee (Senator Ferris), and agreed to 19/9/2001, J.4879
| Finding
that while misleading evidence was given to the Native Title Committee, it is unlikely that it was given with deliberate intent; therefore no contempt was committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 22/8/2002, J.645
|
105th Report: Execution of search warrants in Senators’ offices - Senator Harris, PP 310/2002
26/6/2002, J.492
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 14/2/2002; motion moved by Senator Harris and agreed to 14/2/2002, J.91-2
| Finding
that no contempt of the Senate was involved in the execution of the warrant, and police acted appropriately in relation to the claim of parliamentary privilege
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 22/8/2002, J.645
|
106th Report: Possible improper interference with a witness before the Senate Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident, PP 344/2002
27/8/2002, J.671
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 15/5/2002; motion moved by Chair of the Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident (Senator Cook) and agreed to 16/5/2002, J.359
| Finding
that there was no evidence of attempt or intention to influence the witness, and therefore no contempt of the Senate was committed
Action by Senate
finding endorsed29/8/2002, J.712
|
107th Report: Parliamentary Privilege - Precedents, Procedures and Practice in the Australian Senate 1966-2002, PP 345/2002
27/8/2002, J.672
| General report
| Action by Senate
Report noted 29/8/2002, J.712
|
108th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Mr John Hyde Page, PP 388/2002
15/10/2002, J.875
| Referred by President: 16/9/2002
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 15/10/2002, J.875
|
109th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Mr Tony Kevin, PP 497/2002
22/10/2002, J.949
| Referred by President: 14/10/2002
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/10/2002, J.949
|
110th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Dr Geoffrey Vaughan, Dr Peter Jonson and Professor Brian Anderson, PP 601/2002
10/12/2002, J.1285
| Referred by President: 15/11/2002, 20/11/2002 and 2/12/2002
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 10/12/2002, J.1285
|
111th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Mr Bob Moses, on behalf of Board and Management of National Stem Cell Centre, PP 2/2003
5/2/2003, J.1458
| Referred by President: 12/12/2002
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 5/2/2003, J.1458
|
112th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of draft report of Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee, PP 11/2003
6/2/2003, J.1475
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 27/6/2002; motion moved by Chair of the Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee (Senator Eggleston) and agreed to 27/6/2002, J.524
| Findings
that there was a deliberate and unauthorised disclosure and publication of recommendations in a draft report
that the discloser of the proceedings is prima facie in contempt of the Senate but that no contempt can be found against The Age publisher, editor and journalist
Action by Senate
findings endorsed 6/2/2003, J.1475
|
113th Report: Australian Press Council and Committee of Privileges Exchange of Correspondence, PP 135/2003
25/6/2003, J.1983
| Advisory report
| Chair’s statement on motion to take note of report, Hansard, 25/6/2003, pp. 12529-12531
Action by Senate
report noted 25/6/2003, J.1983
|
114th Report: Execution of search warrants in senators’ offices – Senator Harris Matters arising from the 105th report of the Committee of Privileges, PP 175/2003
20/8/2003, J.2245
| Statement by Chair, Committee of Privileges (Senator Ray): Hansard, 5/2/2003 (pp. 8573-4), J. 1457
| Recommendation
that the Presiding Officers and the Attorney-General finalise draft protocols for the execution of search warrants in senators’ and members’ offices and that the committee be given opportunity to comment on the draft
Action by Senate
report noted 20/8/2003, J.2245
|
115th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Board members of Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc., PP 292/2003
18/9/2003, J.2447
| Referred by President: 17/9/2003
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 18/9/2003, J.2447
|
116th Report: Possible improper interference with a witness before the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, PP 53/2004
2/3/2004, J.3052
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 1/12/2003; motion moved by Senator McGauran, at the request of the Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee (Senator Heffernan) and agreed to 2/12/2003, J.2810
| Finding
on the basis of the evidence before the committee a contempt should not be found
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 4/3/2004, J.3092
|
117th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Dr I C F Spry QC, PP 77/2004
30/3/2004, J.3277
| Referred by President: 23/3/2004
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 30/3/2004, J.3277
|
118th Report: Certain matters arising from the joint meetings of the Senate and the House of Representatives on 23 and 24 October 2003, PP 80/2004
1/4/2004, J.3321
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; motions moved by Senator Brown, and agreed to 29/10/2003, J.2645
| Recommendation
that the Senate agree to a resolution, along the lines proposed by the Procedure Committee in its Third Report of 2003, that future addresses by foreign heads of state should be received by a meeting of the House of Representatives in the House chamber, to which all senators are invited as guests
Action by Senate
report noted 5/8/2004, J.3836
|
119th Report: Possible false or misleading evidence before the Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee, PP 177/2004
3/8/2004, J.3791
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 23/3/2004; motion moved by Senator Mackay and agreed to 24/3/2004, J.3215
| Finding
in the absence of any evidence of an intention to mislead, no contempt should be found
Recommendation
that there be laid on the table by no later than 1 March 2005 a statement of measures taken by Telstra to ensure that senior officers are appropriately trained in their obligations to Parliament, including the number and level of officers who have undergone such training and the dates of any such training
Action by Senate
finding endorsed and recommendation adopted 5/8/2004, J.383
|
120th Report: Possible unauthorised disclosure of private deliberations or draft report of Select Committee on the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United States of America, PP 52/2005
8/3/2005, J.432
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 4/8/2004; motion moved by Senator Ridgeway, and agreed to 5/8/2004, J.3829
| Finding
in the circumstances of the case no contempt should be found
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 10/3/2005, J.477
|
121st Report: Possible unauthorised disclosures of draft reports of Community Affairs References Committee, PP 58/2005
15/3/2005, J.507
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 11/5/2004; motion moved by Senator Ferris, at the request of Senators Knowles and Humphries, and agreed to 12/5/2004, J.3403
Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 24/6/2004; motion moved by Chair of the Community Affairs References Committee (Senator McLucas) and agreed to 24/6/2004, J.3699-3700
| Finding
that, given the inability of the committee to discover the source of the unauthorised disclosures, no contempt should be found
Action by Senate
finding endorsed 17/3/2005, J.568
|
122nd Report: Parliamentary privilege – unauthorised disclosure of committee proceedings, PP 137/2005
21/6/2005, J.781
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; motion moved by Chair of the Privileges Committee (Senator Faulkner) and agreed to 16/3/2005, J.544
| Recommendation
that proposed revised procedures for dealing with unauthorised disclosures of committee documents be referred to the Procedure Committee for consideration
Action by Senate
recommendation adopted 11/8/2005, J.93
|
123rd Report: Possible failure by a senator to comply with the Senate’s resolution relating to registration of interests, PP 224/2005
5/10/2005, J.1174
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 15/6/2005; motion moved by Senator George Campbell, at the request of the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Evans), and agreed to 16/6/2005, J.706
| Finding
that although there were failures to comply with the resolution there was no evidence of an intention not to comply and, therefore, no contempt should be found
Action by Senate
Finding endorsed 6/10/2005, J.120
|
124th Report: Person referred to in the Senate – Professor David Peetz, PP 405/2005
6/12/2005 J.1652
| Referred by President: 29/11/2005
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 6/12/2005, J.1652
|
125th Report: Parliamentary privilege – Precedents, procedures and practice in the Australian Senate 1966-2005, PP 3/2006
Presented to the President under standing order 387 on 19/12/2005 tabled 7/2/2006, J.1787
| General report
| |
126th Report: Person referred to in the Senate – Professor Barbara Pocock, PP 41/2006
27/2/2006, J.1883
| Referred by President: 6/2/2006
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 27/2/2006, J.1883
|
127th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Certain persons on behalf of the Exclusive Brethren, PP 122/2006
21/6/2006, J.2328
| Referred by President: 8/6/2006
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 21/6/2006, J.2328
|
128th Report: Person referred to in the Senate – Mr Karl J. O’Callaghan, APM Commissioner of Police, Western Australia, PP 155/2006
16/8/2006, J.2514
| Referred by President: 3/8/2006
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 16/8/2006, J.2514
|
129th Report: Person referred to in the Senate – Dr Clive Hamilton, PP 388/2006
8/11/2006, J.3027
| Referred by President: 30/10/2006
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 8/11/2006, J.3027
|
130th Report: Person referred to in the Senate – Mr Darryl Hockey, PP 131/2007
7/8/2007, J.4081
| Referred by President: 29/3/2007
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 7/8/2007, J.4081
|
131st Report: Possible false or misleading evidence and improper refusal to provide information to the Finance and Public Administration Committee, PP 171/2007
11/9/2007, J.4328
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 6/2/2007; motion moved by Senator Forshaw and agreed to 7/2/2007, J.3382
| Findings
there was a refusal to provide information, but in view of repeated refusal to provide it committee unable to find that false or misleading evidence given
unable to find a contempt against the person who refused to provide information as this would have involved allowing him to examine a member of the House of Representatives
Recommendation
that the Senate accept that the matter not amenable to further pursuit by exercise of formal inquiry powers
Action by Senate
findings endorsed, recommendation agreed to 20/9/2007, J.4463
|
132nd Report: Unauthorised disclosure of committee proceedings (oral report)
13/9/2007, J.4369
| | Recommendation
that the order of 6/10/2005 relating to unauthorised disclosure of committee proceedings operate as an order of continuing effect
Action by Senate
recommendation adopted 17/9/2007, J.4388
|
133rd Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Indonesian Forum for Environment, PP 173/2007
17/9/2007, J.4389
| Referred by President: 10/9/2007
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 17/9/2007, J.4389
|
134th Report: Possible false or misleading evidence before the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, PP No.260/2008
15/5/2008, J.427
Additional information tabled 26/6/2008, J.662
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 17/9/7. Motion moved by Senator Nettle and agreed to 18/9/2007, J.4415
| Finding
no contempt was committed
Action by Senate
motion to endorse finding moved 15/5/2008, J.427
|
135th Report: Effective Repetition, PP No.275/2008
18/6/2008, J.527
| Advisory report
| Recommendation
that the Senate endorse the principles outlined in paragraph 1.18 to guide any amendment of the Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987 to address the issue of effective repetition
Action by Senate
recommendation adopted 18/6/2008, J.527
|
136th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Certain persons on behalf of the Exclusive Brethren Christian Fellowship, PP 338/2008
24/9/2008, J.940
| Referred by President: 17/9/2008
| Recommendation
that the response by certain persons on behalf of the Exclusive Brethren be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 24/9/2008, J.940
|
136th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Mr Barry Williams, President of the Lone Fathers Association of Australia Inc, PP 4/2009
10/2/2009, J.1579
| Referred by President: 3/2/2009
| Recommendation
that the response by Mr Barry Williams be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 10/2/2009, J.1579
|
137th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Mr Anthony and Mrs Brenda Bird, members of the Exclusive Brethren, PP 5/2009
10/2/2009, J.1579
| Referred by President: 17/9/2008
| Recommendation
that the response by Mr and Mrs Bird be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 10/2/2009, J.1579
|
138th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – The Medical Council of Tasmania, PP 176/2009
14/9/2009, J.2467
| Referred by President: 26/8/2009
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 14/9/2009, J.2467
|
139th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Mr Alan Cummine, PP 192/2009
26/10/2009, J.2579
| Referred by President: 16/10/2009
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 26/10/2009, J.2579
|
140th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Mr Richard Stanton, PP 301/2009
29/10/2009, J.2693
| Referred by President: 16/10/2009
| Recommendation
that response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 29/10/2009, J.2693
|
141st Report: Possible interference with, or imposition of a penalty on, a witness before the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, PP 318/2009
23/11/2009, J.2817
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 9/9/2009, J.2419; motion moved by Senator Barnett and agreed to 10/9/2009, J.2444
| no contempt should be found but Chairs’ Committee to consider adequacy of information provided to witnesses
Action by Senate
report adopted 4/2/2010, J.3153
|
142nd Report: Matters arising from the Economics Legislation Committee hearing on 19 June 2009 (referred 24 June and 12 August 2009), PP 396/2009
25/11/2009, J.2873
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 23/6/2009 and 11/8/2009; motions moved by Senator Heffernan and Senator Evans and agreed to 24/6/2009, J.2173 and 12/8/2009, J.2278
| extensive findings on two references including that Mr Grech’s state of health prevented an assessment of his culpability, necessary for a finding of contempt. Matters arising to be considered by the President and the Chairs’ Committee
Action by Senate
report adopted 25/2/2010, J.3236
|
143rd Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Vicki Dunstan on behalf of the Church of Scientology, PP 9/2010
4/2/2010 J.3147
| Referred by President: 11/1/2010
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 4/2/2010, J.3147-48
|
144th Report: Statutory secrecy provisions and parliamentary privilege – an examination of certain provisions of the Tax Laws Amendment (Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information, Bill 2009, PP 127/2010
4/6/2010 out of session, 15/6/2010, J.3532
| Referred by Senate: Advisory report; motion moved by Senator Brandis (Chair) and agreed to 18/3/2010, J.3399
| Recommendation
that the bill be amended to remove provisions limiting parliamentary privilege
that the Procedure Committee consider adequacy of existing procedural safeguards
that the Clerk offer parliamentary training to Tax Office staff
Action by Senate
government amendments to bill implementing recommendations still before the Senate
|
145th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Mr Geordie Guy on behalf of Electronic Frontiers Australia Inc, PP 133/2010
22/6/2010, J.3663
| Referred by President: 7/4/2010
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/6/2010, J.3663
|
146th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate - Ms Vicki Dunstan on behalf of the Church of Scientology Australia, PP 134/2010
22/6/2010, J.3663
| Referred by President: 11/5/2010
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/6/2010, J.3663
|
147th Report: Persons referred to in the Senate – Reveraqnd Monsignor Ian Dempsey, PP 222/2011
22/9/2011 J.1562
| Referred by President: 21/9/2011
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/9/2011, J.1562
|
Report: The adequacy of advice contained in the Government Guidelines for Official Witnesses before Parliamentary Committees and Related Matters for officials considering participating in a parliamentary committee whether in a personal capacity or otherwise
28/9/2010, J.37, interim
| Interim Report
| |
148th Report: Person referred to in the Senate - Mr Ian Lazar, PP 267/2011
13/10/2011, J.1641
| Referred by President: 30/9/2011
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 13/10/2011, J.1641
|
149th Report: Person referred to in the Senate: Mr Henry Ergas, PP 375/2011
7/11/2011, J.1760
| Referred by President: 15/10/2011
| Recommendation
that the response be incorporated in Hansard
Action by Senate
report adopted 7/11/2011, J.1760
|
150th Report: Whether there was any improper influence in relation to political donations made by Mr Graeme Wood and questions without notice asked by Senator Bob Brown and Senator Milne, PP 69/2012
19/3/2012, J.2285
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 23/11/2011; motion moved by Senator Kroger and agreed to 24/11/2011, J.1945
| Findings
No question of contempt arises but processes for rasing and referring matters of privilege be referred to the Procedure Committee
Action by Senate
report adopted 22/3/2012, J.2375
|
151st Report: Possible imposition of a penalty on, or interference with, a witness before the Rural Affairs and Transport References Committee, PP 95/2012
22/3/2012, J.2370
| Referred by Senate: President determined precedence 16/8/2011; motion moved by Senator Kroger on behalf of Senator Heffernan and agreed to 17/8/2011, J.1257
| Findings
no contempt should be found
Action by Senate
motion relating to findings and recommendation still before Senate
|