Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question again is to Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. When did the minister meet with Australian Nuclear Energy Ltd? Given that the minister has now been asked this question four times, and has refused to answer, what does the minister have to hide about the government’s nuclear reactor plans for Australia?

Ian Macfarlane (Groom, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We have absolutely nothing to hide about our nuclear policy. Can I just explain to those who sit opposite—because I know they do not understand business and business principles—that I am in the business portfolio and people come and see me all the time to talk to me about a whole range of issues. And my constituents come and talk to me about a whole range of issues. I do not usually disclose my diary, but today I will say that this morning my PA, Colleen Robertson, did a search of my diary for Australian Nuclear Energy Pty Ltd to see if they had met with me, and the search revealed nothing.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Bernie Ripoll (Oxley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It’s getting very noisy in here; he can’t hear himself think!

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

Order! The member for Oxley will remove himself under standing order 94(a).

The member for Oxley then left the chamber.

The minister has been asked a serious question. He will be given the courtesy of being heard when he gives his answer. I call the minister.

Ian Macfarlane (Groom, Liberal Party, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can I also say that I do not recall discussing this proposal with these three gentlemen. If someone is able to remind me of when I did, I will correct the record.