House debates Questions without Notice

Health

Wednesday, 26 February 2014 House of Representatives

Bill Shorten

Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition

2:49 pm

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. Given everything that has been put to the Prime Minister, and given the testimony at estimates this morning, how on earth can the Prime Minister—or anyone—have any confidence in the Assistant Minister for Health?

Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

2:50 pm

Madam Speaker, the minister has not breached the conflict of interest rules. In order to avoid any perception of potential conflict of interest, the staffer in question resigned. The minister is doing a fine job. Every single decision that has been made by her in that portfolio is eminently defensible and I back her to the hilt.