House debates Questions without Notice
National Security
Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer
2:57 pm
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
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.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
Harry Jenkins Speaker
Order! The Leader of the Opposition has asked his question.
Kevin Rudd Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
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—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
Wilson Tuckey O'Connor, Liberal Party
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
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
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.