Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Attorney General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's previous answer. Isn't it true that the Federal Court judgement was handed down before the minister admitted on national television to procuring copies of the former Speaker's official diary? By claiming the judgement exonerated him, hasn't the minister misled the parliament?

Mrs McNamara interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Dobell has been warned.

Mal Brough (Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have two things for the member's advice: firstly, in relation to the 60 Minutes interview, what was put to air was not the full question; secondly, let me reiterate again what the full bench had to say, just in case in your lengthy reading you missed it: 'We are of the opinion that there was no basis for the primary judge to conclude that Brough was part of any combination with anyone in respect to the commencement of these proceedings with the predominant purpose of damaging Slipper in any way alleged or at all.'

Mr Champion interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Wakefield will leave under 94(a).

Mal Brough (Fisher, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

And further: 'Despite Brough's hesitation at seeing Ashby he did so and referred him to Russell QC.' There is absolutely nothing untoward about these matters. Do go on, in your 'year of ideas'.