House debates Questions without Notice

Special Minister of State

Wednesday, 2 December 2015 House of Representatives

Mark Dreyfus

Mark Dreyfus Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General

2:00 pm

My question is to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's statements in the house. Channel 9's 60 Minutes has released the full transcript and vision of the ministers interview:

Hayes: Um why then also did you um assist, seek well, did you ask James Ashby to procure um copies of Peter Slipper's diary for you?

Brough: Yes, I did.

Isn't it clear that there was only one question to answer? What part of the question does the minister maintain he was answering when he said, 'Yes, I did'?

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

Just before the Special Minister of State answers the question, I remind members of what I said yesterday—I will not tolerate interjections when I am trying to hear the minister's answer.

Mal Brough

Mal Brough Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State

2:01 pm

I refer the honourable member to my statement earlier today. I apologise to the House again for unwittingly adding to the confusion, rather than clarifying the matter.