Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
2:00 pm
My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator Brandis. I refer to the minister's previous statement that he had 'no knowledge of the James Ashby affair beyond what I have read in the media'. Prior to media reports, was the minister aware of the attempt by Mr Brough to procure, from Mr Ashby, extracts from the diary of his employer, the former Speaker?
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Prior to media reports, was the minister aware of Mr Brough's statement to Mr Palmer that he needed to destroy the former Speaker?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
2:01 pm
No, I was not aware of anything prior to media reports, because, as I said to you in an earlier answer, my knowledge of these matters comes from media reports.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Honourable Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Stephen Parry President
Order! We were going so well for the first two questions.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Prior to media reports, was the minister aware that Mr Brough asked Mr Palmer to fund Mr Ashby's legal case?