Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

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

Does the minister claim to have been misrepresented?

Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I have.

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

Please proceed.

Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A number of opposition members have claimed that I or my office interfered with the investigative processes of the AEC. This is completely and utterly false. In various electronic media organisations it has been claimed that I or my office interfered with the investigative processes of the AEC. That is completely and utterly false.

Bob McMullan (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr McMullan interjecting

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

The member for Fraser has already been warned.

Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In an article by Sam Maiden in the Australian it is claimed that I or my office ordered the AEC to shut up. That is completely and utterly false. I quote from an AEC press release issued today that the Prime Minister quoted from—

Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Did you call them?

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

The member for Gellibrand!

Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It says:

The AEC takes its integrity and independence very seriously and I want to make it quite clear that no attempt was made by the Government or anybody else to influence the AEC in its response to this issue.

Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Did you call them?

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

The member for Gellibrand is warned!

Gary Nairn (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That was the Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ian Campbell. Also:

Contrary to some media reports, the AEC Director of Funding and Disclosure, Mr Kevin Bodel was not asked by the AEC or the Government to “shut up” regarding these matters.