House debates

Thursday, 25 July 2019

Questions without Notice

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction

2:51 pm

Photo of Terri ButlerTerri Butler (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Christian PorterChristian Porter (Pearce, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I fail to see how that has anything to do with the minister's portfolio.

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts) Share this | | Hansard source

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

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Terri ButlerTerri Butler (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

No, I'm going to rule that out of order.