House debates Questions without Notice

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction

Tuesday, 26 November 2019 House of Representatives

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition

2:13 pm

My question is again addressed to the Prime Minister. What actions is he taking, given the Strike Force Garrad investigation into the minister for emissions reduction and given his Statement of Ministerial Standards says, 'Ministers must accept that it is for the Prime Minister to decide whether and when a minister should stand aside if that minister becomes the subject of an official investigation of alleged illegal or improper conduct'? That's 7.1, Prime Minister. What are you going to do to implement it?

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

2:14 pm

This is a very recent matter, and I will be happy to take advice from the New South Wales police in relation to any matters that they're pursuing.

Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

I will be taking advice from the New South Wales police on any matter that they are currently looking at, and I will form a view, based on taking that advice, in considering these issues. I would only note this, Mr Speaker

Ms Butler interjecting

Tony Smith

Tony Smith Speaker

Member for Griffith!

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister

And the Leader of the Opposition may want to reflect on the standard that he is setting. I would simply note this: if there are any questions ever being raised in any such investigations by any member sitting on that bench—well, he has clearly set a standard.

Ms Butler interjecting

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition

I seek leave to table the Australian government's Statement of Ministerial Standards.

Leave not granted.