Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) | Link to this | Hansard source

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) | Link to this | Hansard source

I cannot confirm that. You also know, consistent with longstanding practice, that no government comments on advice from security agencies.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong on a point of order.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

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 interjecting—

Senator Abetz, I am surprised at you.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

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) | Link to this | Hansard source

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) | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer the honourable senator to my previous answers.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallagher, a final supplementary question.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) | Link to this | Hansard source

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) | Link to this | Hansard source

We do not comment on security agency arrangements.