Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:00 pm
My question is to Senator Fifield, the Minister for Communications. Following Senator Parry's resignation from this place, the minister revealed:
Former Senator Parry mentioned to me a few weeks ago that he was endeavouring to check his family's records.
When and how did the minister first become aware that Senator Parry's father had relevantly held British citizenship?
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate
I covered these matters in my contribution to the debate in relation to the High Court referral earlier today.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
A supplementary question, Senator Wong?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:01 pm
Accountability Turnbull Government style! He was asked it here, and I ask it again: when did this minister first become aware that Senator Parry's father had relevantly held British citizenship? It is a simple question. He should answer it.
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate
As I indicated earlier, I made a contribution in the debate on the referral to the High Court. Senator Wong is asking for particular details about which I did not have knowledge.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
A supplementary question, Senator Wong?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:02 pm
Can the minister explain to the Senate why he chose not to disclose questions about former Senator Parry's eligibility, given that the government had referred the then Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Senator Nash, to the High Court in the same circumstances? Why is there one rule for Senator Parry and one rule for Senator Nash?
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate
) ( ): Mr President, I comprehensively covered these matters this morning.