Cormann, Sen Mathias

Senator CORMANN (Western Australia—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Finance, Special Minister of State and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:32): Yes, it was indeed the government that selected the royal commissioner, who by all accounts is doing a very good job. It was the government that determined the terms of reference. But, that having been done and the royal commission inquiry being underway, the operation of the royal commission is now entirely a matter for the royal commissioner. He acts independently from government. But if he were to make a recommendation to the government that he needs more time, or any other recommendation, it would of course be acted upon by the government in the appropriate way. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hanson, a further supplementary question.