Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Cash. The Australian Federal Police National Guideline on Sensitive Investigations, together with the AFP's guidelines for ministerial briefings, outline how the AFP must manage sensitive matters and keep the Minister for Home Affairs informed. The guidelines require that the AFP SES officers must brief the minister 'as soon as possible' about matters where there is anticipated media attention or political implications. Did the AFP inform the Minister for Home Affairs about Ms Higgins' alleged rape in the Minister for Defence's office as required by these guidelines? If so, when, and if not, why not?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Keneally for the question. I can advise as follows. I can advise the Senate that AFP Commissioner Kershaw first advised Minister Dutton of Ms Higgins's allegations on Thursday 11 February 2021. This was the first time the minister was advised of Ms Higgins's allegations. The minister received further verbal updates from Commissioner Kershaw during last week and this week. I am advised that the minister's office was not aware of Ms Higgins's allegations prior to the minister's briefing from Commissioner Kershaw on 11 February 2021. As senators would know, the handling of allegations and investigation of criminal conduct, including briefing to ministers, is a matter for the Australian Federal Police. Nevertheless, the minister has sought and received assurances from the Commissioner of the AFP that the investigation will leave no stone unturned.

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

Senator Keneally, a supplementary question?

Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The AFP defines a 'sensitive investigation' as likely to impact on or be of significant interest to 'an elected member' or 'associate or staff member of an elected member'. Did the AFP declare the alleged rape of Ms Higgins in the defence minister's office a sensitive matter consistent with the guidelines and if not, why not?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to that question, I will need to take it on notice and revert back to you.

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

Senator Keneally, a final supplementary question?

Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ms Higgins has said that Minister Cash's chief of staff told her, 'Don't worry, we will call Dutton.' Did the Minister for Home Affairs or his staff discuss Ms Higgins's case with any other minister or ministerial staff member, including Minister Reynolds?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, Senator Keneally, I will refer to the answer I gave you in my first question. In relation to any additional information on behalf of Minister Dutton, I will need to take that on notice and revert to you.