Senate debates Questions without Notice
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:00 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Senator Birmingham. I refer to his letter today, responding to questions from me that he took on notice in question time yesterday. In his letter he states, 'Minister Taylor has always declared his interests as required under both the House register of interests and the ministerial code of conduct.' Does the minister stand by his statement as set out in that letter?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
To the best of my knowledge, Minister Taylor has always declared his interests.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Why does Minister Taylor's statement of registrable interests under the House's register of interests fail to declare his interest in Jam Land Pty Ltd?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
Senator Wong is making an assertion there. It's an assertion that is one that, of course, I can take on notice in terms of having Minister Taylor respond to it. As to whether the assertion has any validity or not, I would of course not take Senator Wong's word for that.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
2:01 pm
I have in front of me ASIC extracts that demonstrate that Minister Taylor is a director of Gufee Pty Ltd, a joint holder of a one-third interest in Jam Land Pty Ltd. Given that these extracts clearly show Minister Taylor's interest in Jam Land Pty Ltd, will Senator Birmingham now correct the record and apologise for misleading the Senate?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
I have already indicated that I don't take the senator's assertions at face value. I have already taken on notice—
Scott Ryan President
Senator Birmingham, Senator Wong is seeking a point of order.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I seek leave to table the ASIC document confirming that Minister Taylor has an interest in Jam Land Pty Ltd.
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
Mr President, on a point of order: Senator Wong is a long-serving senior senator. Senator Wong knows about the conventions in this place when it comes to seeking leave to table documents. If the appropriate courtesies are displayed then the government will give leave, but not in the absence of complying with the normal courtesies.
Scott Ryan President
It is not a point of order to seek leave. I grant the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate some liberality in application. It is not a point of order, though. I call Senator Birmingham to continue.
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
As I indicated, I've already taken on notice at the first supplementary the assertions that Senator Wong is making. If there is anything to be brought back to the chamber in relation to those assertions I will bring it back, just as I responded promptly to the questions I took on notice yesterday on behalf of Minister Taylor.