(1) That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 4 May 2016:

Commonwealth legislative provisions relating to oversight of associated entities of political parties, with particular reference to the adequacy of:

1. the funding and disclosure regime relating to annual returns;
2. the powers of the Australian Electoral Commission with respect to supervision of the conduct of, and reporting by, associated entities of political parties; and
3. any related matters; and

(2) That the Senate direct Senator Sinodinos to appear before the committee to answer questions.