Senate debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:07 pm
by leave—I table two ASIC documents that show Minister Taylor's relationship to Gufee Pty Ltd and the ownership of Jam Land Pty Ltd, a third ownership being in the hands of Gufee Pty Ltd, Mr Taylor's company.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:08 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. In question time yesterday, Minister Taylor told the House of Representatives:
I have no association and have remained at arm's length at all times from the company, Jam Land.
Does the Prime Minister accept Minister Taylor's assertion?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
Yes, he does.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
Mr Taylor is a director of Gufee Pty Ltd, a joint holder of a one-third interest in Jam Land Pty Ltd, a company under investigation by the Department of the Environment and Energy for allegedly poisoning hectares of critically endangered grasslands. How is this consistent with Minister Taylor's assertion:
I have no association and have remained at arm's length at all times from the company, Jam Land.
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
2:09 pm
The minister addressed these matters in detail yesterday. No doubt the opposition has the opportunity to ask the minister questions on these matters directly in the House of Representatives today. Also, both Minister Birmingham and myself have made relevant statements to the Senate. I can again confirm that the Prime Minister has confidence in Minister Taylor.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party
In question time yesterday, Minister Taylor told the House of Representatives: 'I have always disclosed my interests and I've been very clear about those interests.' If Minister Taylor had disclosed his interests, how could it be possible that his own secretary was not aware?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
2:10 pm
The honourable senator is indeed right: Minister Taylor has made very clear that he has always declared his interests. Obviously, the interests have to be declared in the appropriate way, consistent with the rules in relevant chambers, and I'm confident that is what has happened.