House debates Questions without Notice

Pauline Hanson's One Nation

Thursday, 25 May 2017 House of Representatives

Mr Tony Burke

Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance

2:00 pm

My question is to the Prime Minister. On Monday the Prime Minister said he would seek advice over the course of the next day from the AFP Commissioner about allegations involving One Nation, but today in Senate estimates the commissioner confirmed that he had not received a request for advice from anyone in the government. Why did the Prime Minister tell the parliament he was going to seek advice from the police commissioner and then do absolutely nothing? Did the Prime Minister intend to mislead the parliament, or do all the rules change when One Nation is involved?

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

That is quite a bit of overreach from the honourable member. As I advised the House earlier in the week, the AFP is evaluating the matter that I was asked about on Monday, and I confirm that they are evaluating it. The honourable member should know well that both by principle and by law the AFP should be allowed to complete that evaluation independent of any influence from the government. That is the situation. They are getting on with the job; you are trying to muddy the waters.

Michael Keenan

Michael Keenan Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice

You tell him, Dreyfus; you ought to know.