Mark Butler (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister, and I refer to the previous answer from the minister. The government has admitted to using government resources to intervene in a legal dispute within the New South Wales Liberal Party. The Australian people have become used to the government using government resources for internal Liberal Party benefit. But isn't this a new low, to use government resources for a faction fight in the Prime Minister's own branch?

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Macnamara is warned.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts) | Link to this | Hansard source

I would make the point to the House that it's by no means unusual that matters of this kind are considered by the High Court, and, indeed, as it happens, there is a matter regarding the takeover of the Labor Party in Victoria, which is presently before the High Court as well. I repeat the answer I gave—

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister will resume his seat just for one moment. The Deputy Manager of Opposition Business, on a point of order?

Mark Butler (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives) | Link to this | Hansard source

It's on direct relevance. This question is about the use of taxpayer resources for an internal faction fight.

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Deputy Manager of Opposition Business will resume his seat. The minister is in order.

An honourable member interjecting—

The member for Dunkley is warned. If someone wants to fess up around the member for Dunkley? The member for Paterson is warned.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts) | Link to this | Hansard source

As I had said in previous answers, there are well established protocols in these matters, and, on the basis that this raises important constitutional questions the Attorney-General has taken the decision that she has.

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Isaacs is warned.