House debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
Terri Butler Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water
2:51 pm
My question is to the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction. On Tuesday the minister said:
I have always disclosed my interests and I've been very clear about those interests.
When did the minister relinquish his interests in the Cayman Islands?
Christian Porter Pearce, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
Mr Speaker, I fail to see how that has anything to do with the minister's portfolio.
Tony Smith Speaker
Actually, I think the Leader of the House has made a reasonable point. As I heard the question, it simply asked when he relinquished his interests in the Cayman Islands. I'll hear from the Manager of Opposition Business.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts
Mr Speaker, the final paragraph is exactly as you have described. The paragraph before that refers specifically to the answer he gave on Tuesday and is therefore inquiring with respect to that.
Government members interjecting—
Tony Smith Speaker
Members on my right are not helping. As I heard the question—and I'm happy to hear it again—it referred to an earlier answer but then just asked a question about when he relinquished his interests. I'll hear it again and then I'll make a ruling.
Terri Butler Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water
My question is to the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction. On Tuesday the minister said:
I've always disclosed my interests and I've been very clear about those interests.
When did the minister relinquish his interests in the Cayman Islands?