Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Those are details that I do not have to hand. I would have to take those on notice for the senator as to specifically when it was sought and specifically who made the request. As we have outlined to the Senate quite clearly, the government sought that advice out of an abundance of caution. We have, out of a further abundance of caution, acted in a number of interim ways in relation to engagement that the Attorney-General or his office would have on matters as they pertain particularly to the Federal Court and to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, pending the receipt of that advice. I'm not aware of updates to any of those precautions that have or are being taken at present. But of course, as all senators are aware, in the interim, at this point in time, Senator Cash is acting as the Attorney-General and is, therefore, without any risk of conflict, in a position to be able to fulfil all of the normal duties of the Attorney-General.

In relation to any ongoing arrangements that may be necessary when the Attorney-General returns to work, it would be the intention of the government, I'm sure, that the Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General, Senator Stoker, would undertake those relevant duties, as is appropriate, to ensure that all duties are fully handled. It's not unusual, in relation to any potential for a perceived conflict of interest to exist, for other ministers to be asked to handle matters in relation to such a perceived conflict of interest, but the government is acting cautiously and awaits that advice on this matter.