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

I seek leave to give a personal explanation.

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

Does the Leader of the Opposition claim to have been misrepresented?

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

I do, Mr Speaker, most grievously and particularly inappropriately by the Prime Minister.

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

Then you may proceed.

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

Today in question time the Prime Minister asserted that I had not taken up the invite of a briefing from Lieutenant General Frewen. The facts are these: on 23 June 2021 my office received an email from Nigel Blunden on behalf of Lieutenant General Frewen offering a briefing. On 25 June my office responded, accepting the offer of a briefing. On 25 June, also, the director of the vaccination communication team in the Department of Health responded, saying her team would reach out to start pulling it together 'next week'. I received no further communication between 25 June and 20 July. A communication then offered a briefing during the first sitting week in August. My office responded, agreeing with this. Subsequently, there were attempts to organise a time which was mutually acceptable, where we were all available. At the end of the correspondence from my office to Minister Hunt's office, which has been very professional during this, is: 'I am hopeful one of the following times will suit the COVID-19 task force principals. Tomorrow'—this is as of yesterday—'Tuesday 3 August at 11.30 am or 3.30 pm, or Thursday at 4 pm,' and then an email back from the person: 'Let's lock in 4 pm on Thursday. Invite to follow.' They're the facts, Mr Speaker, and I find the Prime Minister's behaviour completely reprehensible but consistent with his character.