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

My question is to Senator Cormann, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. On 6 November, special envoy Tony Abbott announced a 'new initiative in preparation for housing in Borroloola.' When did special envoy Abbott first tell the Prime Minister about his secret plan to move 30-year-old Defence houses to Borroloola to deal with the housing crisis?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I must admit that I'm not aware of the specific circumstances the senator is raising, so we'll take that question on notice and get back to her and to the Senate as soon as possible.

Scott Ryan (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

What advice was provided to the Prime Minister by his department about the cost of this secret plan? Does the Prime Minister support the expenditure for these houses that his own department has said will only be used for two years?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do know that Senator Scullion could have assisted you with this question if you were genuinely interested in receiving an answer on the spot. But, as I've indicated in response to the primary question: given I'm not aware of the specific details that you're raising, I will seek advice and get back to the Senate on notice as soon as possible.

Scott Ryan (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

The Commonwealth promised $15 million to Borroloola to improve housing nearly 10 years ago. How much money has the Prime Minister given his special envoy Abbott to spend on these 30-year-old interim houses?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer the senator to my previous answers.