House debates Questions without Notice

Department of Home Affairs

Wednesday, 27 March 2024 House of Representatives

Sussan Ley

Sussan Ley Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women

2:41 pm

My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. I refer to media reports about interactions between the secretary of the department and the ministers she serves. The minister for immigration was asked about these reports and gave a clear denial. I ask the minister again: did she verbally abuse the secretary, causing the secretary to leave her office in tears?

Clare O'Neil

Clare O'Neil Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs

This question has been asked in a number of different ways. I've answered it in a number of ways, all of which have been accurate. I'd say to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition: I enjoy a very close and warm relationship with the secretary of my department. She is a public servant of decades of standing, serving the national interest in our government. It's why I supported the Prime Minister's decision to appoint her to this position, and we continue that warm and collaborative relationship.