Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

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

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do.

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

The member for Corio may proceed.

Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During question time the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in answer to a question, indicated that I had said that Avalon becoming an international airport would never happen. I have worked to see Avalon Airport become an international airport for as long as I have been in this place. Indeed, with the shadow Treasurer, back in 2010, I participated in an event which declared the then Gillard government's support for Avalon becoming an international airport. And, indeed, yesterday I was with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and very happily speaking at the event which was announcing AirAsia flying out of Avalon to Kuala Lumpur. Avalon becoming an international airport has enjoyed bipartisan support—

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

The member for Corio has pointed out where he believes he's been misrepresented.

Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

and I doubt the owners of the airport would appreciate it being made a partisan issue.

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

He will now resume his seat.