House debates Questions without Notice

Ministerial Staff: Code of Conduct

Wednesday, 26 February 2014 House of Representatives

Ms Catherine King

Ms Catherine King Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health

2:19 pm

My question is again to the Prime Minister. Senator Nash told Senate estimates this morning that her chief of staff resigned solely because of the media interest that was causing a distraction for the government. On Monday, the Prime Minister told the parliament that Senator Nash's chief of staff resigned because he was dilatory in divesting a shareholding. Who is right—the Prime Minister or the Assistant Minister of Health?

Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

Again, happily, both of us are. I simply say to the member for Ballarat that she will no doubt continue to ask questions on this subject but, really, certainly since the resignation of the gentleman in question, there is just nothing there. This is not so much a storm in a teacup; it is not even a zephyr in a thimble; it is nothing because the conflict-of-interest rules have been observed.

Mr Bowen interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker

Order, the member for McMahon!