House debates

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Questions without Notice

Attorney-General, Minister for Foreign Affairs

2:13 pm

Photo of Tanya PlibersekTanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

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

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

There will be silence on my left, and that includes the member for McMahon, who has been warned—once more and he will leave.

Photo of Ms Julie BishopMs Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | | Hansard source

As I indicated, I was informed in writing that the evidence that had been given in the Senate inquiry was wrong—

Mr Perrett interjecting

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

The member for Moreton.

Photo of Ms Julie BishopMs Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | | Hansard source

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.