Senate debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:00 pm
My question is to the Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Cash. In evidence to the Federal Court today, Minister Cash's former senior media adviser admitted that when deciding to leak advance notice of the Federal Police raids, he was motivated by damaging the Leader of the Opposition's reputation. Given we now know the minister's office was motivated by an attempt to damage the reputation of the Leader of the Opposition, can the minister guarantee to the Senate that it was not a motivation she shared?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
I thank Senator Cameron for the question. Senator Cameron is presenting me with information of which I am unaware. As this matter is before the courts, I do not propose to comment any further.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:01 pm
I remind the minister that even yesterday in this chamber she referenced the Leader of the Opposition in her answers. Can the minister advise the Senate whether being motivated by damaging the Leader of the Opposition's reputation is consistent with the legal obligations of the minister and her office?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
What Senator Cameron conveniently forgets is that the issue itself is all about the proper authorisation of donations made by the AWU. But, again, insofar as this matter is actually being heard before the courts, I don't propose to comment any further.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:02 pm
Aren't the actions of the minister and her office just another example of a desperate and deceitful government willing to say and do anything to cling on to power?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
No.