Senate debates

Thursday, 15 February 2018

Questions without Notice

Deputy Prime Minister

2:55 pm

Photo of Doug CameronDoug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Cash. Given the minister has since 20 September 2017 been responsible for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, either in an acting capacity or an ongoing capacity, is the minister aware of any request of the secretary or any other senior officials in that department to appoint Deputy Prime Minister Joyce's former media adviser to a departmental role?

Photo of Michaelia CashMichaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | | Hansard source

The answer to the question is no.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Cameron, a supplementary question.

Photo of Doug CameronDoug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | | Hansard source

Is the minister or her office aware of any approach to the secretary or any other senior officials in any other government agency regarding the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Joyce's former media adviser to a public service role?

2:56 pm

Photo of Michaelia CashMichaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | | Hansard source

The answer in relation to myself is no; in relation to my office, not to my knowledge.

Photo of Doug CameronDoug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | | Hansard source

Can the minister guarantee to the Senate that neither she nor her office is aware of any attempt to secure a job for Deputy Prime Minister Joyce's former media adviser in Geoscience Australia or any other government agency?

Photo of Michaelia CashMichaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | | Hansard source

In relation to myself, yes; in relation to my office, I'll take it on notice.