Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Ryan, the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services. I refer to the Attorney-General, who yesterday told the Senate:

Just as Mr Porter had suggested that I speak to Mr Mischin, he had suggested to Ms O'Dwyer that she speak to Mr Mischin.

In what capacity did the Minister for Social Services suggest to the Attorney-General and to the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services that they contact the Western Australian government on this matter?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. It is fair to say that that is not something I am briefed on with respect to the minister's portfolio arrangements. Senator Brandis covered all these details in his detailed statement yesterday. If I have anything further—

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Porter was the middle man.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

to add—

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Porter cut the deal.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, I am trying to complete the answer. I know you object to interjections when you speak. I am more than happy to come back to the Senate with any further information. I am sure that Senator McCarthy will understand that that is not a brief relating to the Social Services portfolio.

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

Senator McCarthy, a supplementary question.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the Minister for Social Services have any responsibility for matters related to the Bell liquidation, or was he lobbying ministers on behalf of his Western Australian Liberal mates?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. My knowledge of the administrative orders is that the Minister for Social Services—

Senator Sterle interjecting—

Senator Back interjecting—

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

Order! Order, on my left and my right!

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My knowledge of the administrative orders is that the Minister for Social Services has no such responsibility as the senator asked in her question. If I am incorrect, I will bring something back to the Senate.

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

Senator McCarthy, a final supplementary question.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Which other ministers did Minister Porter spend time in Canberra lobbying on behalf of the WA government to do Australian taxpayers out of $300 million?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have taken these questions in good faith until now, when they are starting to be used to slur members of the other place. That question contained an imputation and an effective allegation, supported by no evidence whatsoever, about a former state Attorney General and a minister of the government in the other place. This is nothing less than an attempt by Labor to smear people without any evidence whatsoever. And that question, quite frankly, Mr President, barely deserves my being on my feet to answer it.