House debates

Tuesday, 3 March 2020

Questions without Notice

Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program

2:20 pm

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

My question is again to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that, contrary to his repeated statements that Senator McKenzie alone determined sports rorts funding on 4 April, at 12:35 on 11 April Senator McKenzie's office sent a list of projects to the Prime Minister's office with one project removed and nine new projects added and, minutes later, at 12:43 pm Senator McKenzie's office sent the final revised list of projects to Sport Australia?

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

As I've said before, I'm not responsible for the email service in the former minister's office. I refer the member to the evidence—

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting

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

The Prime Minister will pause. Members will cease interjecting or they'll start—

Ms Plibersek interjecting

The member for Sydney will leave under 94(a). There's a certain irony in actually interjecting on me when I'm asking people to stop interjecting. The Prime Minister has the call.

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

I refer the member to the evidence by Mr Boyd that was provided regarding the issues that were just raised. It says of the changes made later that day, the 12:43 version, that none of them were evident as being the request of the Prime Minister's office rather than the minister's office.