Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—Thanks very much, Mr Speaker, for the manner in which you have handled the matter. As you know, the matter does relate to an incident that occurred in my ministerial office last week during a drop-in session, which I do hold on a regular basis for all members of parliament, regardless of political persuasion, to come and talk to me about projects that they have in their electorates. It's something that I feel is in the legacy of Simon Crean. He used to do that when we were last in government, and I've continued that tradition.

As I've already outlined to the House, I do consider it was a significant breach of the rules, during the drop-in session, when it did become evident that there was filming taking place without any prior request or any consent from me. I accept that the member for Barker subsequently rang me to apologise. I accept the apology, which I note has been made on behalf of his staff member. If that's how he'd like to explain it, then that is a matter for him.

I do want to make the point that, in the last week of the parliamentary calendar, Australians do expect and deserve to see parliamentarians conduct themselves in a manner befitting this place. That goes to respect for each other and for the rules we've established as we go about our jobs. We've now codified that behaviour, and I do hope that the member reflects on that, as he goes forward, in doing his job.

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