David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, it should come as absolutely no surprise to the learned senator that I know nothing of the intricacies of this investigation. Indeed, I have made it my primary business not to involve myself or to be aware of what is, in fact, happening with this investigation, given the obvious conflicting circumstances that prevail. This government conducts itself at all times with the utmost propriety. That question does not sit well with a shadow minister in the nature of a shadow Attorney-General or a member of the bar. To infer and to presume guilt in an inquiry where no charges have yet been laid is a disgrace. To impugn a fellow parliamentarian, to imply that he is guilty, with no skerrick of knowledge or evidence, is typical of the sort of kangaroo court we would expect from these people were they ever to get the reins of power. He knows that I have not involved myself in this inquiry and would not. Indeed, that question does him no honour.