House debates

Thursday, 27 February 2020

Questions without Notice

Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program

2:32 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister, who just told parliament that Senator McKenzie provided the advice on 4 April. Doesn't this directly contradict the Sport Australia evidence today in the Senate that this advice was provided at 8.46 am on the day the parliament called the election? Will the Prime Minister correct the mislead of this parliament?

2:33 pm

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I don't accept the Leader of the Opposition's mischaracterisation of this at all. I hope the Leader of the Opposition was more truthful when he appeared as a witness at the criminal conspiracy trial—

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

The Prime Minister will resume his seat. The Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order?

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

Yes, Mr Speaker, on direct relevance. The question is very precise and goes to the absolute obligation that every member of parliament has in this place and it is part of the Prime Minister's alleged own code. If he can't keep to the point on this—

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

The Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. The Prime Minister has the call. I'm listening very closely.

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I repeat what I said earlier: Sport Australia advised the committee this morning that they received a brief from Senator McKenzie that was dated 4 April 2019. That's what occurred.

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

Is the Leader of the Opposition seeking to table a document?

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

I am, Mr Speaker: an answer—

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

The Leader of the Opposition may proceed.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

to a question on notice from the Senate that clearly indicates the document was given on 11 April 2019.

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

No, the Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat. As I ruled yesterday, I'm not going to table documents that are readily available, particularly the transcript of proceedings in both the Houses.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

They're not available—

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

Well, they must be available if you've got a copy!