Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his statement at a press conference in Japan on 9 June, in answer to questions about the member for Robertson, when the Prime Minister said:

... I understand my office has been in contact. And ... I understand she has issued a statement ...

Given that the member for Robertson did not issue a statement until the following afternoon of 10 June, what involvement did the Prime Minister’s office have in the preparation of that statement?

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

I honestly cannot recall the sequence of events.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

I just can’t. You are asking me about events last week. It is just the truth. We are talking about the events of a week or so ago. I was in Japan and there were events unfolding back here. What I know for a fact is as follows. My statement at the time was that it appeared that there had been an unacceptable pattern of behaviour in relation to the honourable member. Furthermore, I indicated that the honourable member had agreed that there would be appropriate counselling. Furthermore, I said that it would be proper for all members of parliament to reflect on the fact that no-one is guaranteed of a future in this place. Those have been my consistent comments on this matter since then. They remain my position now and I await the outcome, as all honourable members do, of the police investigation.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I was referring to a press conference on 9 June, not 11 June.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will resume her seat.