Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Canavan. Does the minister agree with the Deputy Prime Minister, who, when asked about the Western Australian preference war—these are his words, not mine—said this:

This is what happens when you start picking on your business partner or your girlfriend—one person scratches and the other person scratches back.

Did he really say that? Was the Western Australian National Party's decision to preference the Greens over the Liberal Party the Nationals 'scratching back'?

The PRESIDENT: Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Canavan, Representing the Deputy Prime Minister, you can take that question in whichever way you would like. It does not directly relate to your portfolio, but it does relate to statements made by the Deputy Prime Minister, so I will allow you to answer the question how you would like to.