House debates

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Questions without Notice

Members of Parliament: Staff

2:31 pm

Photo of Adam BandtAdam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister, regarding the alleged rapist of Brittany Higgins. Almost four weeks ago I asked you, amongst other things, whether the alleged rapist of Ms Higgins had meetings with ministers, their staff or department officials at any time since the alleged rape occurred. You undertook to the House to make inquiries and report back. Given there have been 23 days to make such inquiries, can you please now advise whether the alleged rapist met with your ministers or their staff after the alleged rape?

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

The member for Melbourne will recall that I reported back to the House very soon after that, when I reported on the inquiries that were made, particularly through the Presiding Officers, to understand about the issues that were raised in the question. In terms of the broader actions of the ministry, there is an incredible array of activity that goes on across the government, and the sheer scale of what the member is asking is not something that we can give a definitive response to. We have looked into this matter, and I have no information to suggest that what the member suggests is true.