House debates

Monday, 1 December 2014

Questions without Notice

Sinodinos, Senator Arthur

2:53 pm

Photo of Mark DreyfusMark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General) | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Under what circumstances will Senator Sinodinos return as Assistant Treasurer? Will the Prime Minister reappoint the Assistant Treasurer if ICAC makes a finding that the senator is not corrupt but merely incompetent?

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) | | Hansard source

The member may rephrase his question, leaving the latter part out, as it is a hypothetical. He must rephrase the question; otherwise, I will rule it out of order.

Photo of Mark DreyfusMark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General) | | Hansard source

Under what circumstances will Senator Sinodinos return as Assistant Treasurer?

2:54 pm

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | | Hansard source

They would be very happy circumstances indeed, wouldn't they, to get Senator Sinodinos back into the ministry? As I have indicated on many previous occasions, it is my hope to have Senator Sinodinos back in the ministry.

Ms Kate Ellis interjecting

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) | | Hansard source

The member for Adelaide!

Photo of Tony AbbottTony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | | Hansard source

But obviously the senator is subject to an inquiry in New South Wales, and it is important that we see the results of that inquiry.