Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Can the minister confirm that a former member of Mr Turnbull's ministry, Mr Stuart Robert, is the subject of an Australian Federal Police investigation for abuse of public office?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am aware that there was a reference to the Australian Federal Police in relation to the member for Fadden. As to the nature of that reference, I am not in a position to inform you. But if, as you say in your question, there is a current investigation then it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Will an unredacted copy of the report into Mr Robert's conduct by the secretary of Mr Turnbull's department be provided to the Australian Federal Police? Will all documents recording knowledge of Mr Robert's conduct held by Mr Turnbull and his department be provided to the police?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is not a matter for me. If, as you say, there is an investigation into Mr Robert, the conduct of that investigation is entirely a matter for the Australian Federal Police and it is not appropriate for me to comment on it.

Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. I remind the minister that I am asking him a question in his capacity representing the Prime Minister, regarding what material will be provided to the Australian Federal Police in this investigation. So I ask: will the Prime Minister, Dr Parkinson and ministers involved in the discussions about Mr Robert's fate, including you, Attorney-General, fully cooperate with the Australian Federal Police in the conduct of its investigation?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not aware of what, if any, documents have been requested by the Australian Federal Police. However, as I said in answer to your primary and first supplementary questions, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to comment on an investigation.

Senator Jacinta Collins interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! You have asked your question.