Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
2:50 pm
My question is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. I refer to an article published by the ABC last night entitled 'Guests on Gladys Liu list for Malcolm Turnbull event sparked ASIO concerns', which reports that former Prime Minister Turnbull cancelled his attendance at a function organised by Ms Liu following the vetting of the guest list by security agencies. Can the minister confirm the former Prime Minister Turnbull cancelled his attendance at that event?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
I cannot confirm that. You also know, consistent with longstanding practice, that no government comments on advice from security agencies.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Direct relevance and a misrepresentation of the question. The question did not go to the security advice; that is in the report. We simply asked whether or not the minister could confirm if Mr Turnbull cancelled his attendance. This government is hiding behind a convention about intelligence to avoid scrutiny.
Senator Abetz, I am surprised at you.
Scott Ryan President
Order, Senator Wong. I've given you some liberality in raising that point of order and restating the question, but the minister was being directly relevant to the question. Even if he was not answering it in the preferred manner, I am not capable of instructing him to do so. Senator Gallagher, a supplementary question.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
2:51 pm
Has the Prime Minister sought or received advice from government agencies about that report?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
I refer the honourable senator to my previous answers.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
2:52 pm
Has Prime Minister Morrison's office continued the process that was in place in former Prime Minister Turnbull's office with respect to vetting of guest lists by intelligence agencies?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
We do not comment on security agency arrangements.