House debates Questions without Notice
Special Minister of State
Mark Dreyfus Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General
2:46 pm
My question is to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's previous answer. Isn't it true that the Federal Court judgement was handed down before the minister admitted on national television to procuring copies of the former Speaker's official diary? By claiming the judgement exonerated him, hasn't the minister misled the parliament?
Mrs McNamara interjecting—
Mal Brough Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State
I have two things for the member's advice: firstly, in relation to the 60 Minutes interview, what was put to air was not the full question; secondly, let me reiterate again what the full bench had to say, just in case in your lengthy reading you missed it: 'We are of the opinion that there was no basis for the primary judge to conclude that Brough was part of any combination with anyone in respect to the commencement of these proceedings with the predominant purpose of damaging Slipper in any way alleged or at all.'
Mr Champion interjecting—
Mal Brough Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State
And further: 'Despite Brough's hesitation at seeing Ashby he did so and referred him to Russell QC.' There is absolutely nothing untoward about these matters. Do go on, in your 'year of ideas'.