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

I wasn't aware personally of Mr Rifi's engagement in the way you describe until that had become more public. I think Minister Burke has made clear he had no knowledge of Mr Rifi's actions and whereabouts other than what he had read in the media. I again say to you: Australians who are eligible are entitled to a passport. That's not a decision by my office. It's a decision under the legislation. There are circumstances in which, for security reasons, a passport might be cancelled or suspended. I think you referred belatedly to the appropriate section yesterday, and I—

Sorry! You referred to the appropriate section yesterday, and I made clear to you that the advice from ASIO or another competent authority which enables the minister to cancel or suspend was not provided.