Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
2:38 pm
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Yesterday you were asked by Sky News host Andrew Clenell on the issue of ISIS brides: did you or your office have any involvement in helping Jamal Rifi obtain 34 passports for them? In your answer, you very precisely said, 'Look, the issue of passports, I have not engaged with Mr Rifi on this.' Minister, did your office engage with Mr Rifi in any way on this issue of passports for the ISIS brides cohort?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:39 pm
I wasn't aware personally of Mr Rifi's engagement in the way you describe until that had become more public. I think Minister Burke has made clear he had no knowledge of Mr Rifi's actions and whereabouts other than what he had read in the media. I again say to you: Australians who are eligible are entitled to a passport. That's not a decision by my office. It's a decision under the legislation. There are circumstances in which, for security reasons, a passport might be cancelled or suspended. I think you referred belatedly to the appropriate section yesterday, and I—
Sorry! You referred to the appropriate section yesterday, and I made clear to you that the advice from ASIO or another competent authority which enables the minister to cancel or suspend was not provided.
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
It was just in relation to relevance. I did ask whether the minister's office had engaged with Dr Rifi or not.
Sue Lines President
The minister has responded to that. She is being relevant. Minister Wong, did you have anything further to add? If not, Senator Duniam, first supplementary?
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
2:40 pm
Minister, have you engaged with Mr Rifi about any matters in relation to the ISIS brides cohort?
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
Minister, has your office engaged with Mr Rifi about any matters in relation to the so-called ISIS brides cohort?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I do not believe so. I have no knowledge of it, and I will confirm.