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

2:04 pm

My question is again to the Special Minister for State. Today, when speaking about his admission on 60 Minutes, the Special Minister for State told the House:

My recollection of the interview was that the question was put to me in a somewhat disjointed manner and I answered the question without clarifying precisely what part of the question I was responding to. This is confirmed by the tape.

Isn't it clear from the tape that there was only one question to answer? What question did the minister think he was answering when he said, 'Yes I did'?

Mr Pyne interjecting—

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

the Leader of the House will cease interjecting.

Mal Brough

Mal Brough Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State

2:05 pm

I again refer the honourable member to my statement earlier today.

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

On a point of order, Mr Speaker: the question was about his statement to parliament.

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

The member for Grayndler will resume his seat. The minister has answered the question. He is entitled to answer it in any way did he sees fit.