Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I completely reject what Senator Keneally has said, and Senator Keneally would know that that is not what is certainly outlined in the evidence. Again, what I would say is this: in relation to the appointments that this government makes, appointments are made on merit. As I've said, we have also appointed, over a period of time, a number of persons of a different political persuasion—in other words, from the Labor Party—because we believed they were the best person for the role. In particular, I go back to Mr Gary Gray. He was an outstanding member for Brand back in Western Australia. When he left the parliament, I think those from Western Australia would say we worked incredibly well with Mr Gray in relation to representing our great state. And, as a result of that, the government appointed him as the Australian Ambassador to Ireland. I confirm he was not a member of the Liberal Party.