Recent Activity

• On 8 August 2017, the Senate Standing Committee of Privileges tabled the following report:
  •  Committee of Privileges—166th report—Possible improper influence of a witness before the Environment and Communications References Committee
• On 22 June 2017, the Senate Standing Committee of Privileges tabled the following report:
  •  Committee of Privileges—165th report—Persons referred to in the Senate
• On 28 March 2017, the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee of Privileges tabled the following report:
  •  Committee of Privileges—164th report—Search warrants and the Senate
• The committee prepared a background paper for the inquiry into parliamentary privilege and the use of intrusive powers and is now seeking written submissions (with a closing date of 13 April 2017).
• On 8 February 2017, the President made a statement and tabled material about a matter of privilege regarding possible improper influence of a witness before the Environment and Communications References Committee. The next day, it was referred for inquiry and report.
• On 1 December 2016, the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee of Privileges (Senator the Hon. Jacinta Collins) tabled the following report:
  •  Committee of Privileges—163rd report—status of material seized under warrant—preliminary report
• On 28 November 2016, matters regarding the adequacy of parliamentary privilege with regard to the use of intrusive powers by law enforcement and intelligence agencies was referred for inquiry and report by 14 August 2017.
• On 31 August 2016, the President made a statement about the disposition of documents seized under search warrants. The matter was referred by the Senate for inquiry and report.
• On 30 August 2016, the President made a statement relating to the seizure of certain material by the Australian Federal Police at the Melbourne office of Senator Conroy, at the home of an Opposition staff member, and from the Department of Parliamentary Services, and subsequent claims of parliamentary privilege over the seized material in accordance with the AFP national guideline for execution of search warrants where parliamentary privilege may be involved. On 1 September 2016, this matter was referred for inquiry and report.