Document causes controversy at horse flu inquiry

There's been a fiery exchange between Commissioner Ian Callinan and the Federal Government's barrister on the final day of the horse flu inquiry in Sydney.

It centred around a controversial document, prepared for the former Agriculture Minister, Peter McGauran, over the possible privatisation of Australia's quarantine stations.

The policy paper to Cabinet on quarantine privatisation options was prepared last year, but never reached the minister because the election was called.

Counsel for the Commonwealth, Alan Robertson, told Commissioner Callinan the Federal Government would be denied procedural fairness if the document was considered, because there was no proof AQIS's executive manager, Jenny Gordon, had adopted or signed it.

Commissioner Callinan fired back: "But it's her document. Do you want me to ignore the words approved by Jenny Gordon?"

The commissioner invited Mr Robertson to recall the Federal Government's witness immediately, but the offer was declined.

The hearing continues.