MOTIONS › Royal Commission on Trade Union Governance and Corruption
Senator XENOPHON (South Australia) (15:52): Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement of no more than one minute. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted for one minute. Senator XENOPHON: I indicate that I do not support the motion because I have reservations about a motion of the parliament purporting to give instructions to the Governor-General. The Governor-General ought to be taking action on the basis of instructions from the executive. But I do have very real concerns about the conduct of Dyson Heydon as royal commissioner. That is a matter for Mr Heydon, given the ruling he has made, but I have very serious concerns— Senator Conroy: Have you read this morning's papers? Senator XENOPHON: Yes, I have read this morning's papers. I have very serious concerns about the way the royal commission has operated in some respects. Senator Conroy: Some respects? Senator XENOPHON: In some respects. I believe that Dyson Heydon continuing in his role will be counterproductive to the good work the royal commission has been doing. The PRESIDENT: The question is that the motion moved by Senator Wong be agreed to.