Committee Hearing Commences

The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee hearing into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network has commenced, with Senator Matthew Canavan declaring the hearing open and reminding witnesses of parliamentary privilege. The chair outlined the protections afforded to witnesses, including the right to be heard in camera and the prohibition on threatening or disadvantaging witnesses. The committee also reminded witnesses of their obligations to provide truthful evidence and the potential consequences of giving false or misleading evidence. The hearing will be conducted in a dignified, courteous, fair, and respectful manner, consistent with the behavior code for Australian parliamentarians.