Senate Committees
Matters arising from the joint meetings of the Senate and the House
of Representatives on 23 and 24 October 2003
Terms of Reference
Senator Brown, pursuant to notice, moved the following business of the
Senate notices of motion together by leave—
No. 4—That the following matters be referred to the Committee of
Privileges for inquiry and report:
In relation to the joint meeting of the Senate and the House of Representatives
to receive an address by the President of the United States of America
on 23 October 2003:
(a) whether there was any inappropriate presence or activity by agents
of the Government of the United States;
(b) whether foreign media or other personnel were permitted to record
the proceedings, in circumstances in which Australian media were forbidden
to do so, and whether this was appropriate;
(c) whether there was any improper interference with Senator Nettle
by any officer of the Parliamentary Service;
(d) whether there was any other improper interference with Senator Brown
or Senator Nettle; and
(e) whether there are any implications for the powers, privileges and
immunities of the Senate arising from these matters, and whether the
Senate should take or recommend any action in consequence.
No. 5—That the following matters be referred to the Committee
of Privileges for inquiry and report:
In relation to the joint meeting of the Senate and the House of Representatives
to receive an address by the President of the People’s Republic
of China on 24 October 2003:
(a) whether there was any inappropriate presence or activity by agents
of the Chinese Government;
(b) whether agents of the Chinese Government exercised or attempted
to exercise any inappropriate influence over any part of the proceedings,
including:
(i) any suggested cancellation of, or any delay in, the proceedings,
(ii) the removal or redirection of senators’ or members’
guests from the public gallery,
(iii) the exclusion of Senator Brown and Senator Nettle from the proceedings
and the method by which that exclusion was achieved, and
(iv) any message or instruction to persons attending the proceedings
in relation to any dress, display of insignia or symbolism;
(c) whether senators were appropriately informed of any of these matters
or of any other matters relating to the proceedings; and
(d) whether there are any implications for the powers, privileges and
immunities of the Senate arising from these matters, and whether the
Senate should take or recommend any action in consequence.
Submissions
Submissions received
Report - Tabled 1 April 2004
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