Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. After stating that both he and the current Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, had intended to go to the polls on 2 March, former Prime Minister Turnbull has warned:

… the brand damage to the party which arose from the leadership change in August, when I was removed as prime minister—and … we've seen that taken out in a state by-election in Wagga, we've seen it obviously in Wentworth, and we've seen it in the Victorian state election. I am very concerned that this will put at risk the Berejiklian government.

Is Mr Turnbull correct?

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

No.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron, a supplementary question.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Turnbull has refused to deny reports that he said Mr Morrison is delaying the federal election because he is only interested in 'keeping his arse in C1'. Is Mr Turnbull correct?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call Senator Cormann, I will ask all senators to reflect on their language. I do not know the antecedents of whether that word has been ruled parliamentary before, but I will check and come back to the chamber. Senator Cormann.

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

No.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron, a final supplementary question.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given Mr Morrison is willing to inflict the damage to the Liberal Party on the Berejiklian government, isn't it clear Mr Turnbull is correct when he says, 'The Prime Minister's determination is to stay in government for as long as he possibly can'?

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

Firstly, that question assumes a different answer to the first two questions. My answer to the first two questions was no. On that basis, I reject the premise of the question, and the final answer is also no.