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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am happy to affirm, once again, as I did in issuing a statement this week, that I have not and would not authorise any such actions, and at all times have sought to treat Ms Tame with dignity and respect. The first I became aware of that allegation was during the Press Club address when it was delivered. Ms Tame should always be free to speak her mind in my view and conduct herself as she chooses. I have made no criticisms of Ms Tame, her statements or her actions.

While Ms Tame has declined to name the individual, I would advise her to at least advise the government which government funded agency she is referring to. The Australia Day Council has issued a statement saying they had no knowledge of any such interaction and would be pleased to pursue the matter if we had some knowledge of even the agency that is being referred to. Those comments were not made. I can't establish them. They were not made on my behalf, nor would they ever be. They were not made with my knowledge in any way, shape or form, or by my office. I and my government consider the actions and statements of the individual, as it was explained, as absolutely unacceptable. Inquiries can only be made where we can be directed. Those inquiries should be seeking to get answers to the matters that have been raised and if anyone has any information on that then I would encourage them to bring it forward so the matter can be properly addressed.

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