Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:10 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Birmingham. Yesterday the minister told the Senate that Mr Morrison had counselled Mr Christensen about his online activities, which have incited violent and threatening comments directed at Premier Andrews and Catherine King MP. Senator Birmingham then had to correct the record to admit that Mr Morrison had in fact done nothing and it was Mr Joyce who had done so. Why has Mr Morrison not spoken to Mr Christensen directly?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
2:11 pm
Mr Christensen is a member of the National Party, and Mr Joyce is the leader of the National Party.
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party
So much for leadership! After three days of questions in the Senate, comments on Mr Christensen's Telegram posts have been completely wiped overnight and the ability to comment has been disabled. Who made that decision?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
I assume the ultimate decision was made by whoever the administrator of those accounts is, which I would assume to be the member for Dawson.
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:12 pm
Minister, has Mr Morrison spoken directly with Mr Christensen about his call in the House yesterday for civil disobedience?
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance
I think Mr Morrison spoke to Mr Christensen, the House and, through that, the nation in relation to those remarks. Mr Morrison made clear his view that every single person should obey the law and that no-one should encourage anyone to disobey the law. They are the words that Mr Morrison made very clear in the House in relation to a question on this matter yesterday.