QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE › Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services
Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services) (14:53): I thank the senator for that question. In all of these circumstances—and, tragically, there is more than one case—my first and foremost consideration is to respect the wishes of the family. As I have previously advised this chamber, my office has contacted Mr Danher's family—his father, in fact—and offered a call or a meeting with me. It was agreed it would be best that this meeting take place once more information is available, and when that has occurred. The NDIA chief legal counsel is reviewing Liam Danher's case and will provide a report on the detail and any learnings that the NDIA can take from this case. The outcomes of that will be communicated to the family, prior to any public comment on this case. The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Reynolds. Senator Kitching, on a point of order. Senator Kitching: Mr President, the question was very clear: why hasn't the minister picked up the phone and apologised to Liam's family? The PRESIDENT: With respect, I've allowed you to remind the minister of the question. The minister is entitled to answer the question in the terms that she sees fit. She is talking about this particularly unfortunate event, and, in that sense, she is directly relevant and answering the question as she deems appropriate. Senator Reynolds. Senator REYNOLDS: I did answer the question first up, and I'll just say it again: first and foremost, I believe it's important for me to respect the wishes of the individual families, including Liam Danher's family. That is exactly what I'm doing in relation to this case and also to other cases that have come to my attention. The PRESIDENT: Senator Kitching, a supplementary question.