House debates

Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Statements by Members

Prime Minister

1:59 pm

Photo of Tim WattsTim Watts (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Communications) Share this | | Hansard source

Last night on the ABC we gained a telling insight into this Prime Minister's psyche. The Prime Minister was asked about his habit of misleading the Australian public when he is under pressure, a pattern of behaviour we've seen on issues like his secret Hawaii holiday, the Brian Houston affair, the City of Sydney forged document imbroglio and the sports rorts scandal. The PM dismissed all of this as 'minor matters'. Truth and integrity are never minor matters for anyone, let alone a Prime Minister. Trust, accountability and democratic accountability are not minor matters for anyone, let alone a Prime Minister. As Einstein said, whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be entrusted with important affairs. This is a Prime Minister who can't be straight with the Australian public. The Australian public deserve better. They deserve a Prime Minister who they can believe the word of.

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

It being 2 pm, in accordance with standing order 43 the time for members' statements has concluded.