House debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Human Services
Brendan O'Connor Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
2:37 pm
My question is to the Minister for Human Services. I refer to the minister's previous answers, particularly the last one. Did the minister or his office at any time prior to the AFP raid inform anyone other than the Office of the Prime Minister about this raid, including but not limited to the office of Minister Cash?
Michael Keenan Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation
That is exactly the same question as the previous one that I've just addressed. The truth is an allegation has been made and—
Mr Perrett interjecting—
I have completely rejected that allegation, and I will not sit here and be cross-examined by a Labor Party that refuses to address the central issue here. The fact is that these raids were dealing with malfeasance within the union movement.
Mr Perrett interjecting—
Tony Smith Speaker
The member for Moreton will leave under 94(a).
The member for Moreton then left the chamber.
Michael Keenan Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Digital Transformation
These are the first questions I've had as the Minister for Human Services from the Labor Party. They haven't asked me about anything that's going on in my portfolio. They haven't asked me about the $1.5 billion transformation project we have to make sure that Australians accessing the social security system get the best possible service they can. The Opposition Leader issued a statement just before question time, saying that the Australian people are sick of these 'inside the Beltway' issues and they want us to return to issues of real substance, but then those opposite come in here and perform this sort of nonsense.
Tony Smith Speaker
The Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)
Yes, Mr Speaker, on direct relevance. It's not in order for the minister to go through all the reasons that he doesn't want to answer a question.
Tony Smith Speaker
The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. The minister is in order if he's on the policy topic. I've said that ad nauseam. Has the minister concluded his answer? Yes. The member for Canning has the call