Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

At every step of the way, this disgraceful individual, this despicable individual, was given the benefit of the doubt. That is wrong. Our system needs to be toughened up and, as far as this government is concerned, toughened up it will be. We cannot continue to give those who will take advantage of us the benefit of the doubt—and we will not, as far as this government is concerned.

The question is suggesting that there has been some inappropriate conduct by ministers; there is no evidence whatsoever for that. The review was ordered on the Monday, once it became apparent that misleading information may have been given to this parliament. The review reported on the Thursday, and as soon as that report was received it was acted upon. At the earliest possible opportunity, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, representing the Attorney-General, corrected the record in this parliament, as she should and as she has.

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