Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Has the Prime Minister sought legal advice on the consequences of the Attorney-General’s remarks and, in particular, on the possibility that those remarks will provide a ground for appeal against the convictions of Benbrika and his co-accused?

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

Obviously the matter raised by the honourable member is one that has been dealt with by the courts and, as the Attorney-General himself indicated on Monday, his comments were not directed at matters which were still before the courts. As Attorney-General, it is his role to assure the community that all agencies are working hard to protect Australians.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Order! The Leader of the Opposition has asked his question.

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

I would say to the barracking new Leader of the Opposition, the member for Wentworth, this: on the question of terrorism, this government makes no apology for taking a hard line. It makes no apology for making clear-cut statements to the Australian community that we will not brook—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Wilson Tuckey (O'Connor, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise on a point of order relating to relevance. This parliament is entitled to know whether the Prime Minister has got a legal opinion or not, and he should just simply answer.

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

The member for O’Connor will resume his seat. The Prime Minister is responding to the question.

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

On the matters which went to the substance of the questions concerning the Attorney-General, I have responded to those, including the one that went to this government’s credentials in the fight against terrorism. I can simply say to those opposite that that has been a large part of what has been put before us. We take a hard line. We make no apology for it.