House debates Questions without Notice
Ministerial Staff: Code of Conduct
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:40 pm
Madam Speaker, my question is to the Prime Minister. Today at Senate estimates Minister Nash explained how she managed her chief of staff's conflicts of interest: 'I required those undertakings. It was my responsibility. I ensured that they were done.' Given that Senator Nash failed to ensure her chief of staff had ceased his directorship and divested his shareholding, hasn't the minister misled the parliament and failed in her responsibilities as a minister in your government?
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
That question is going quite close to the wind, but I will allow it to stand.
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
2:41 pm
There is a very simple answer; the answer is no.