Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Justice, Senator Brandis. On Tuesday the minister declined to assure the Senate that all dealings with Newlands Civil Construction under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements have been appropriately and legitimately entered into. Will the minister now give the Senate that assurance?

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

Senator Chisholm, that is a preposterous misrepresentation of what I said to the Senate. You asked me that question, and I said that I had absolutely no reason to believe otherwise, and that is the case.

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

Senator Chisholm, a supplementary question.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Monday Senator O'Sullivan amended his declaration of interest to remove Newlands Civil Construction. Did Senator O'Sullivan discuss the amendment of his declaration of interest with the minister prior to doing so this week?

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

No.

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

Senator Chisholm, a final supplementary question.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Has the minister now sought assurances that Senator O'Sullivan has not received any direct or indirect benefit as a result of contracts awarded under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements?

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

No, I've not, because I have absolutely no reason to believe that such an inquiry is necessary. I have absolutely no reason whatsoever to believe that Senator O'Sullivan has done anything untoward.