Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Xenophon for the question. I am aware of the reports to which the senator refers, reports that suggest that Mr Kessing provided classified information to Mr Albanese’s electoral office and to other persons in 2005. I understand that the Attorney-General has indicated that the government has no plans to instigate an inquiry. It is the case that the appropriate body for investigating this issue or any such issue is the AFP if in fact the Australian Federal Police see fit to investigate. I personally have not been briefed by the AFP in relation to this matter but I again emphasise that the AFP is obviously an independent statutory office and the Australian government cannot and should not direct the Australian Federal Police on any specific operational matters.