Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Reports have emerged that a wanted criminal wasn't arrested when he first landed in Australia and that his plane was recently searched on the tarmac but allowed to leave the country, even though an Interpol notice was in force. It's also been reported that he, in fact, got money and special treatment from Crown Casino and that ministers have lobbied Home Affairs to ensure that high rollers can fly into the country and drive to Crown Casino with a minimal amount of clearances. Can you assure the House that none of your ministers lobbied Home Affairs or its agencies on behalf of Crown Casino, which would breach your ministerial code of conduct, and can you also guarantee that no Home Affairs officials have acted improperly in these matters?

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Melbourne for his question. It is a very serious topic, and it deals with the integrity not only of our gaming industry but of issues that go to law enforcement and border protection in this country. I welcome the member for Melbourne's interest in this topic.

Our government takes allegations of illegal activity very seriously. Everyone is required to abide by Australian law, and that includes casino operators, public officials, and all visitors to our country. Our law enforcement agencies are working hard to disrupt and deter criminal groups by collecting evidence and intelligence about financially motivated crime. While I can't go into the details of that—for obvious reasons, which would be known to the member—these efforts are ongoing and will continue.

In relation to the specific matters that were raised by the member, there has been nothing presented to me that would indicate there are any matters there for me to address.