Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:56 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. Yesterday, when asked about reports the Prime Minister has been ringing National Party members of parliament and senators to gauge support for Deputy Prime Minister Joyce, the minister said:
That story is absolutely incorrect.
Does the minister stand by that statement?
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
In a story entitled 'Coalition crisis as Barnaby Joyce loses Nationals MPs' support', The Australian states:
Senate leader Mathias Cormann was left hanging by the Prime Minister's Office after telling the Senate that reports that Mr Turnbull had called Nationals MPs were untrue.
Does the minister agree he was 'left hanging' by the Prime Minister's office?
Scott Ryan President
Senator McAllister, a final supplementary question?
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
Has the Prime Minister or his office been ringing National Party members of parliament and senators to gauge support for Deputy Prime Minister Joyce? If so, has the Prime Minister also canvassed alternative acting arrangements while he is absent from Australia next week?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
No, and not applicable.