Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:00 pm
I rise in relation to the revised ministry list which has been tabled and lists Mr Malcolm Turnbull as Minister for Communications and Minister Fifield as representing him. I draw to the Senate's attention that, on 14 September, Mr Turnbull said:
Of course, I've also resigned—
Nigel Scullion NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Big issue!
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Unlike you, I think that who is a minister might be a relevant matter for the Senate.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Stephen Parry President
On my right! On both sides! Senator Wong, you have the call.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Thank you. I will go back. On 14 September, Mr Turnbull, in the transcript of the press conference where he announced he was running for the leadership, he made clear:
Of course, I've also resigned as Communications Minister.
I ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate to perhaps explain the difference between Mr Turnbull's public statement of resignation—
A government senator: Is this a question?
Stephen Parry President
Senator Wong sought leave and—
An opposition senator: No, you idiot, it is not! Listen!
Order on my left!
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
It is not unreasonable to know whom Minister Fifield is representing, given that the Prime Minister has said he has resigned from the portfolio, but he is on the list as being the communication minister. Who is the communications minister?
Stephen Parry President
That is a fair point, Senator Wong. Senator Abetz.
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment
This should have been by way of a question, but I can indicate that on Monday Mr Turnbull made an offer to the Prime Minister that he would resign his commission as minister to the Governor-General. Obviously, a minister's resignation only takes effect when the resignation is accepted or formally revoked by the Governor-General. Mr Turnbull's appointment as Minister for Communications continues until the swearing in of the ministry. This is quite obvious to anyone who should understand the operation of the Executive Council, as the honourable senator would know.