Senate debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
2:53 pm
My question is to Senator Cash, the Minister representing the Attorney-General. On 23 May 2018, the minister admitted to Senate estimates that taxpayers are funding her legal representation in proceedings brought against her regarding the AWU raids scandal. Can the minister advise the Senate whether the Morrison government has agreed to indemnify current or former employees of her office involved in current legal proceedings or cover in any other way associated legal costs?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
I don't actually have a brief in relation to that, Senator Watt, but I would assume all usual processes in relation to staff or former staff would actually apply.
Scott Ryan President
Senator Watt, a supplementary question.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Order across the chamber! Senator Wong, Senator Watt is on his feet. Senator Macdonald.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
I ask the minister again: Who is paying the legal costs of her former advisor Mr De Garis? If she'd care to do so, she might want to elaborate on what the usual arrangements are in relation to staff.
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
2:54 pm
Senator Watt, I have got some instructions now from the Attorney-General's folder. It actually states: 'Questions should be referred to the Department of Finance.' So the Department of Finance must be responsible for this matter.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Remember the whiteboard!
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party
2:55 pm
It's clear that no whiteboard is big enough for this minister. I ask again: who is paying the costs of the minister's former adviser, Mr De Garis? Given we know Australian taxpayers are footing the bill to defend Senator Cash, how much will taxpayers pay to defend her against actions arising from the leaking of confidential police information from her office to the media?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
Senator Watt, I need to refer you to my previous answer.