Senator LUDWIG (Queensland—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister Assisting on Queensland Floods Recovery) (14:43): I thank Senator Milne for her question in this new year. Can I say at the outset that the AFP is a strong organisation that is about defending this country and it manages itself in a way that is second to none. With respect to the specific issue the senator has raised, which goes to what Minister Ferguson may or may not have done, I am advised that no request has been received from the Australian Federal Police, from the office of the Hon. Martin Ferguson or any other minister's office relating to the surveillance of protest groups. In relation to the second part of your question—which, as I recall, went to the issue around the surveillance of environmental and other protest groups—I am also advised that the AFP's protection liaison team does utilise the services of NOSIC to monitor publicly available information to assist in identifying and preventing possible criminal offences against Australian high office holders, foreign dignitaries and diplomatic missions. In addressing the next part of your question, which goes to the issue of the AFP's use of monitoring protest groups, as I am advised, the AFP monitors protests groups in line with legislative requirements to prevent the occurrence of criminal acts and, by so doing, is able to ensure law enforcement resources are positioned in an effective and efficient manner. (Time expired)