Senate debates Questions without Notice
National Security Committee
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:58 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Minister, why did Mr Turnbull remove the immigration minister, Mr Dutton, as a standing member of the National Security Committee of cabinet?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
The composition of the National Security Committee of cabinet is on an as required basis. Mr Dutton is present for all deliberations of the National Security Committee of cabinet dealing with the Immigration and Border Protection portfolio.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:59 pm
Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Will the Prime Minister continue to ignore the pleas of the Prime Minister he replaced and the defence minister he dumped, to restore Mr Dutton as a standing member of the National Security Committee of cabinet?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
I have nothing to add to my earlier answer.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Minister, why has Senator Sinodinos been appointed to the National Security Committee of cabinet ahead of Mr Dutton, and how broad is the Cabinet Secretary's portfolio?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
I have nothing to add to my earlier answer.