Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
3:25 pm
My question is again to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that the price charged for the Liberal Party fundraising function at Kirribilli is based on the same pricing principles that apply to community groups hiring the Great Hall here in Parliament House? Will the Prime Minister now table the full costings billed to the Liberal Party for the 1 June fundraiser at Kirribilli?
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
It was not a fundraiser—and you know that. Let me very simply tell you why: the amount of up to $8,000 was a fee charged to business observers for attending the federal council of the Liberal Party, which I am told is approximately the same as the top charge made for the Labor Party federal conference.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
Of course you did not. This demonstrates that the basis of your claim is completely wrong.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Mr Albanese interjecting
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
I have indicated that the costs are $5,186.78—that is, food $2,128.50, beverages $1,476.52, casual staff $829.57 and hire charges $752.19, making a total of $5,186.78. Every last cent of that was paid for by the Liberal Party of Australia.