Senate debates Questions without Notice
International Relations: Australia and Israel
David Pocock ACT, Independent
2:36 pm
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Did Israeli president Isaac Herzog visit ASIO headquarters during the course of his recent trip to Australia?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you, Senator Pocock. I believe the program was made public. Obviously, in relation to that particular entity, we are cautious about what is said, but I can provide some further information on notice.
David Pocock ACT, Independent
2:37 pm
Minister, I would expect that you would probably know this detail. I'm just wondering if you can confirm that President Herzog did not visit ASIO headquarters or any other intelligence operational facilities here in Australia in the course of his recent visit.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you, Senator. If I can provide information I will. You ask about one of Australia's security agencies. Obviously they've been extensively involved in the investigation and circumstances of the Bondi attack, and, if I'm able to provide you with further information, I will.
David Pocock ACT, Independent
Minister, can I take it that you are unaware of President Herzog visiting ASIO or any of our security agencies? I appreciate that you will take it on notice, but I just wanted to confirm that you are unaware of that.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:38 pm
Senator, what you can take is that I will do what I can on notice to provide you with the information that I'm able to.
David Pocock ACT, Independent
I just have a point of order on relevance. I've tried to ask this very respectfully, with no preamble and no long-winded intro, and that was not the question I asked.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Pocock, I'm also trying to be courteous. I'm not able to answer your question.
Please. I think Senator Pocock doesn't need your assistance, Senator Whish-Wilson. I'm also seeking to be courteous. I'm not in a position where I can answer your question. Obviously questions about that agency are often very sensitive. I will clarify what I am able to outline to you, and I will come back to you. So I'm seeking to be courteous also in my response.
David Pocock ACT, Independent
Minister, I'm not trying to be funny here, but—
David Pocock ACT, Independent
It's a point of order on relevance. My question was whether you know and you can't say or you—
Sue Lines President
Senator Pocock, I've listened very carefully to your questions and the minister's answers, and she has been directly relevant to the questions. In answer to your first question, the minister has agreed to take it on notice to see what she can provide. She has been relevant for all of your questions. I'm going to move on.