Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. How can the Prime Minister maintain confidence in the defence minister when she called Brittany Higgins 'a lying cow'?

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. I'm pleased that the matter that she has referred to—the disgraceful slur on Brittany Higgins, as I called it at the time—has been apologised for and withdrawn and that there's been a formal settlement, I understand, between the parties. Of course she should never have said it. I challenge those who are putting these matters forward here in this place—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will pause. I ask that people stop interjecting. I'm trying to listen carefully to the questions and the answers to check that they're within the standing orders and the Practice. Every time someone interjects, they might feel better, but it actually prevents me from hearing the answer. The Prime Minister has the call.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If those opposite want to provide a Hansard of what is said in their offices on a daily basis then they may be in a position to cast stones. I would simply say this: this was a statement that should never have been uttered, whether in a private office or elsewhere. I am pleased that the minister saw to it that that statement was unconditionally withdrawn and apologised for, and that apology has been accepted.