Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

I'm delighted to second this motion because, as the Leader of the Opposition has rightly pointed out, standing orders need to be suspended this afternoon because this minister needs to give a clear explanation to the Australian people of why the government took the decision it did to block the application for additional flights to and from Australia by Qatar Airways. We have seen from this minister a multiplicity of explanations. Every time she's under pressure she comes up with another explanation. It's quite extraordinary. But what we don't see is any consistency of explanation, and we don't see any principles of good administration being demonstrated by this government when it comes to setting aviation policy, fostering competition and assisting Australians by putting in place the right policies that will enhance competition, drive down prices and give Australians more choice.

Australians are naturally asking the question: why on earth would it be that this minister would make such an extraordinary decision? That's why the opposition has been seeking the answers that the Australian people are entitled to know. What advice did the minister's department give her? What discussions did she have with her cabinet colleagues? Senator Farrell was asked about that this morning in the media and was unable to cast any light on the issue. What discussions did she have with the Prime Minister? What directions did the Prime Minister give her, if any, after one of his many engagements with Mr Joyce?

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