Members, Conflicts of Interests

The Hon. C. BONAROS (15:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney, representing the Special Minister of State, a question about travel.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: Given recent revelations surrounding the Prime Minister's close ties with Qantas there are concerns about influence regarding travel perks such as flight upgrades granted to government officials. Reports indicate the Prime Minister received complimentary upgrades on Qantas flights, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, Qantas's involvement in recent government decisions, such as its opposition to granting additional flights to competitor Qatar Airways, has intensified public scrutiny in relation to this issue and those relationships.

In light of this I ask the Attorney, representing the minister: given what is unfolding federally is the government considering any reforms to establish clear guidelines or restrictions on things like complimentary upgrades and benefits to members of parliament and senior government officials?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:22): I thank the honourable member for her question. I will be more than happy to refer those questions to the minister in another place and bring back a reply. I would note that we all are bound, not just ministers but all members of parliament, by declarations of various things on our members' register of interests, and I have no reason to believe that members aren't operating diligently in fulfilling their obligation.