House debates

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

Questions without Notice

Liberal Party

3:25 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of John HowardJohn Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting

Photo of John HowardJohn Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

Of course you did not. This demonstrates that the basis of your claim is completely wrong.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Albanese interjecting

Photo of David HawkerDavid Hawker (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Grayndler is warned!

Photo of John HowardJohn Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

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.