Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. It goes to whether the Minister for Veterans' Affairs has complied with the minister's statement on ministerial standards. Specifically, will the Prime Minister ask the minister, on the official Chinese visa application form for his trip to China, which of the following options were nominated: official visit, tourism, non-business visit, business and trade or work? And will the Prime Minister report back to the House at the earliest possible moment.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and I remind him of my earlier answer relating to the minister. The question of compliance with the ministerial standards has been referred to the Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, as honourable members know or should know. In questions relating to compliance with the code, the Prime Minister is entitled to and often expected to seek advice from the secretary of his or her department, Prime Minister and Cabinet. That is exactly what has been done.

I note the inquiry the honourable member has made and, no doubt, the secretary will do so too. But I deal with these matters very thoroughly and very seriously and in accordance with the code. And that is what will be done.