House debates Questions without Notice
Liberal Party of Australia
Mark Butler Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives
2:51 pm
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?
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts
2:52 pm
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
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
It's on direct relevance. This question is about the use of taxpayer resources for an internal faction fight.
Andrew Wallace Speaker
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
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.