House debates

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Questions without Notice

Asylum Seekers

2:10 pm

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is again to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister state firmly and clearly on the record, for the benefit of the House and the Australian people, that before the government’s offer was put to the 78 asylum seekers on board the Oceanic Viking that offer was not communicated to him or approved by him?

Photo of Kevin RuddKevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I stand by everything I have said in this chamber before. I was quite clear in my statements when these were raised I think the day before yesterday, following which the Leader of the Opposition went outside and said I had misrepresented the parliament. If he has something further to add, let him stand on his feet and provide that evidence now.