Mary Henry (Independent)

May I point out to Senator Mansergh that, according to the definition in the Bill:

"'officials' means two or more of the following:

(a) a person holding a position in the Civil Service of the Government or the Civil Service of the State;".

Nothing here says anything about senior officials. It could be anyone. It continues:

"(b) a special adviser within the meaning of section 19 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995;

(c) a person who is a member of such other (if any) classes of person as may be prescribed.".

Therefore it is not the sort of person Senator Mansergh is suggesting. It can be anyone, according to this section.