Senator REYNOLDS: Here we go again! However you want to describe it, what is being put to me and this committee is that there was a sum of around $6 million. Whether it was paid incrementally, whether it was—whatever—there was a sum directly related to that transaction: the loan write-offs, the $1. That money went to Imperium to support the Rebels.
Mr Pulver : Is there a question in there, Senator?
Senator REYNOLDS: Is that true? Did money go?
Mr Pulver : Sorry, could you repeat the question?
Senator REYNOLDS: The question is: was there any direct money paid by the ARU to Imperium or to the Melbourne Rebels as a result of that transaction?
Mr Pulver : We paid them the same $6 million of funding that went, roughly, to every Super Rugby club, and I'm happy to confirm that there was some incremental funding on top of that, which was—
Senator REYNOLDS: And how much was that?
Mr Pulver : I can't tell you that.
Senator SMITH: You can't tell us the individual amounts or you can't tell us the quantum amount?
Mr Pulver : It's a confidential agreement with Imperium Sports Management. You can sit up there and laugh at that point, senators, but surely you appreciate—
Senator SMITH: No, no.
Senator REYNOLDS: We're not laughing. Mr Pulver, let me tell you, we're not laughing.
Mr Pulver : I am taking offence at an issue of a confidential agreement. Surely, senators, you appreciate that.
Senator SMITH: Mr Pulver, no-one mocked your comment about the confidentiality. No-one mocked your comment.
Mr Pulver : I can't hear that in the room when there are chuckles from your side of the table.
Senator SMITH: Mr Pulver—no, excuse me—
CHAIR: I beg your pardon, there was not. There were some comments from the audience but not from us. I'm, quite frankly, incredulous that given you came here saying that you were prepared to be transparent we can't find out this information. It is very important for the inquiry. There are issues that this inquiry's been set up to deal with and it's very important. One of the key issues that directly relates to the financial viability of the Rebels, we can't find out.
Mr Pulver : Senator, you've got two options here. We can go into private session, but essentially you're asking me to breach a confidential agreement that I've signed, and I think you understand the implications of that.