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

My question is to the Prime Minister. Since the Prime Minister refused to answer my last question I will ask again: how can it be that for every single day that the 45th Parliament has sat the Prime Minister has been aware that the composition of the Senate was potentially illegitimate? Why did the Prime Minister decide to keep this information secret from the Australian people?

Ms Husar interjecting—

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

The member for Lindsay is now warned.

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

The reality is simply this: as you know and as we all know, Senator Ryan became aware that there was an issue concerning the nature, the extent or the character of Senator Day's interest in his office. He investigated that. He did so diligently. He sought advice. The idea that any member of the government—the Special Minister of State or any other—would have gone out and made allegations or conclusions until the facts had been thoroughly investigated and advice sought is absurd and reckless. The honourable member opposite knows full well that in a matter of this kind Senator Ryan acted absolutely appropriately. He let my office know and he let me know that he was investigating—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

The Prime Minister will resume his seat. The member for McMahon and the member for Sydney will not interject again. They have been warned.

Mr Pyne interjecting—

The Leader of the House will cease interjecting. The Leader of the Opposition.