House debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Home Affairs
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)
3:08 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why won't the Prime Minister fulfil the commitment he made to the House last week and say whether or not the Minister for Home Affairs excused himself from all discussions on child care?
Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
Once again I refer the member to the statement by the minister on 13 September where he said:
… I have complied with the requirements under the Statement of Ministerial Standards and the Cabinet Handbook, and I've taken advice in relation to my position which puts the question beyond doubt.
The Cabinet Handbook is a public document. Here it is. It's a public document. It's quite straightforward. Its wording is quite clear. It does not say whatever the opposition want it to say to suit the political purposes they are trying to pursue in this parliament. The minister has answered the question. I have nothing further to report on that matter. I think it has been absolutely cleared up and I'm happy for the matter to rest there.