Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Obviously any legal phrase can be subject to interpretation, but I think the intent is very clear. This is because, unlike those opposite, we recognise the potential and, frankly, at times the inherent conflict of interest in ministers in a cabinet making decisions whilst owning shares. So we have set a higher standard, and I appreciate that the opposition want to probe the merits of that. We do think it's appropriate. It's in recognition of the collective responsibility that members of cabinet or members of the executive bear in relation to decisions.

Unlike what has gone before for the last decade, it was the Prime Minister's view, shared by his cabinet, that it is important that divestment is the way in which these matters are ultimately resolved. As you would have seen in the media, and I know the opposition have asked questions about this, that is what is taking place.