House debates

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Questions without Notice

Minister for Home Affairs

3:08 pm

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Why won't the Prime Minister fulfil the commitment he made to the House last week and say whether or not the Minister for Home Affairs excused himself from all discussions on child care?

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

Once again I refer the member to the statement by the minister on 13 September where he said:

… I have complied with the requirements under the Statement of Ministerial Standards and the Cabinet Handbook, and I've taken advice in relation to my position which puts the question beyond doubt.

The Cabinet Handbook is a public document. Here it is. It's a public document. It's quite straightforward. Its wording is quite clear. It does not say whatever the opposition want it to say to suit the political purposes they are trying to pursue in this parliament. The minister has answered the question. I have nothing further to report on that matter. I think it has been absolutely cleared up and I'm happy for the matter to rest there.