Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party
2:34 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. On Thursday, Senator Stoker appeared on Sky News and said, in relation to the Queensland Premier, 'She's choking the economy by having these borders shut. She's the knee on the throat of the businesses of Queensland, stopping them from breathing.' Does Mr Morrison agree that it was insensitive and inappropriate for Senator Stoker to use the words of a dying man to make a political point on late-night TV?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
2:35 pm
I didn't see those comments and, rather than to provide commentary on alleged commentary, I'll have a conversation with Senator Stoker separately.
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party
Mr President, what action will Mr Morrison take?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
It's the first I've heard of this, and I've just indicated what I will do before making any further comment. I'm not aware whether the Prime Minister is aware of these comments, so I would have to take that question on notice.
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party
Senator Stoker is locked in a battle for Queensland LNP Senate pre-selection against Senator McGrath. Does Senator Stoker have Mr Morrison's full support?
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
2:36 pm
The Prime Minister supports all his colleagues and, of course, pre-selections are a matter for party organisations.