Senate debates Questions without Notice
International Relations: Australia and Nauru
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:17 pm
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Wong. The federal government and specifically your department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was made aware of serious evidence of corrupt payments made to senior Nauru officials, including the current and former presidents of Nauru by AUSTRAC. How on earth did your government then sign a $2½ billion secret deal with a government that you knew to be corrupt?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:18 pm
Thank you, Senator Shoebridge. First, I'd make the point that actually the MOU, I think, was negotiated by the Department of Home Affairs. What I would say is that we have zero tolerance for corruption, but unlike you, Senator, I will not comment on the contents or nature of classified AUSTRAC reporting.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:19 pm
Zero tolerance, huh? Is it because you know the current Nauruan government is so corrupt that your government has sought to hide every detail of this $2½ billion deal from the Australian public—hiding the MOU, hiding even the speech the Nauruan President put on his Facebook page? Is your response to corruption, as we see again today, to hide it from the public?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
As I said, you've addressed those questions to me, as foreign minister. I don't believe the MOU discussion is in the portfolio of the foreign minister.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
Well, Minister, that says it all, doesn't it. Reporting in the Sydney Morning Herald today found that your government has been indirectly funding the criminal bikie gang the Finks through dodgy contractors like MA Services, both in Nauru and even in the NACC here—guarding the NACC, apparently. Why hasn't your government and why haven't you taken action to stop these contracts, or is giving Australian public money to bikie gangs now Labor policy?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:20 pm
I refer to my very first answer. Australian expectations about—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
Order! I'm sorry, Senator Wong; please resume your seat. There's a three-way conversation going on across chamber when the minister is answering the question. Minister Wong, please continue.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I refer you to my first answer, Senator, and I would also say to you that Australian government expectations about the use of Australian government funds are clear.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, three times I called you! I'm answering a question. The minister is being relevant to the question. Minister, did you want to make a further contribution?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Yes, I did. I again would say Australian government expectations about the appropriate use of Australian government funding are something we apply across government.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The disrespect that is being shown by Senator Shoebridge to you, President, is disgraceful. He should withdraw that.
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, you've been invited by Minister Wong to withdraw those comments.