House debates Questions without Notice
Attorney-General, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2:13 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Attorney-General. Today, the minister said she was informed during question time after 3 pm on Thursday, 4 June that the letter written by Man Haron Monis had not been provided to the Martin Place siege inquiry. Why did the Attorney-General say in this statement, 'The foreign minister was advised shortly before Question Time.'
Mr Bowen interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
There will be silence on my left, and that includes the member for McMahon, who has been warned—once more and he will leave.
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
As I indicated, I was informed in writing that the evidence that had been given in the Senate inquiry was wrong—
Mr Perrett interjecting—
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I will read it out again: 'We received formal, written confirmation from the secretary of the Attorney-General's department on 4 June 2015 2:43 pm.' That is after question time has begun. Question time starts at 2—2:43. Catherine Jones sent an email to the committee at 2:55 pm. After question time—that is 14 minutes later—at 3:09 pm I corrected the record. I had no earlier opportunity to correct the record, as I was in France until 4 June.