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

My question is again to the Minister for Communications, Senator Fifield. I refer to his answer in question time today. Can the minister advise the Senate: at any point in his varied and casual conversations with Senator Parry, were the High Court proceedings discussed?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm sure the fact that they were occurring is something that was known to both of us and I'm sure that that was something that was mentioned at some point during conversations. It was a well-known fact.

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

Senator Wong, a supplementary question.

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

At any point in his various conversations with Senator Parry, did the minister discuss delaying disclosure of Senator Parry's citizenship circumstances until after the High Court handed down its decision?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No.

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

Senator Wong, a final supplementary question.

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

Did the minister at any point discuss the similarities between the circumstances of Senator Nash, who the government referred to the High Court, and Senator Parry?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, I think all senators would be aware that there were referrals to the High Court of a number of colleagues, including Senator Nash and Mr Joyce, and I'm sure that we, as I have done with many colleagues in this place, commented on that fact.

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

I ask that further questions be placed upon the Notice Paper.