Labor Faces Calls to Reveal ‘Secret Manual’ for Avoiding Senate Questions

‘The revelation of this secret manual brings into question Labor’s ability and willingness to perform the minimum requirements of government.’

Senator Simon Birmingham during debate to Fair Work Amendment Bill 2021 in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on March 18, 2021. Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images

With support from the crossbench, the Coalition has urged the Labor government to distribute the document issued by the Prime Minister’s Office to departments. This document instructs them on handling questions on notice from Senate estimates.

Simon Birmingham, leader of the Opposition in the Senate and South Australia Liberal Senator, said the document represents a “severe form of contempt for the Senate” and asked for “scrutiny, explanation, and correction” from the PM.