Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and International Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to his statement of 21 February 2006:

I have given him—

that is, Mr Cole—

my documents. He’s got my file.

Prime Minister, why was it that on that very same day Commissioner Cole had to issue you personally with this subpoena, which stated:

The inquiry has served a notice to produce documents on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is understood, however, that documents in your custody or control or in the custody or control of your office or staff are not covered by the notices served on PM&C. I request your assistance in ensuring that relevant documents held by you or your staff are produced to the inquiry.

Prime Minister, why did you say on 21 February that you had already given all these documents and files to Commissioner Cole when, on that very same day, the commissioner subpoenaed you to extract those very same documents?

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is absolutely no inconsistency at all between the fact that I had indicated that I had given documents and the receipt of a formal request. That is a normal procedure. There is absolutely no inconsistency—and you know it.

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and International Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Rudd interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has completed his answer.

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and International Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Rudd interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Griffith does not have the call.

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and International Security) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek leave to table this formal subpoena which was served on the Prime Minister personally.

Leave not granted.