Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to move:

That the House:

(1) notes that the Health Minister:

(a) has attempted to influence independent Therapeutic Goods Administration processes to secure the review of a ban of a DIY flu-testing device in order to benefit a Liberal Party donor;

(b) denied ever meeting representatives of Ellume, the maker of the device, when in fact he had his photo taken with the son of the Chairman in Parliament House in September 2017;

(c) has a history of using his position to benefit the Liberal Party, including awarding lucrative MRI licences to a Liberal Party Vice President and donor; and

(d) has to date failed to explain or account for his conduct; and

(2) therefore, calls on the Minister to make a statement to this House, explaining why his behaviour makes him fit to be the Minister in charge of our nation's health system.

Leave not granted.

I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for McMahon from moving the following motion immediately:

That the House:

(1) notes that the Health Minister:

(a) has attempted to influence independent Therapeutic Goods Administration processes to secure the review of a ban of a DIY flu-testing device in order to benefit a Liberal Party donor;

(b) denied ever meeting representatives of Ellume, the maker of the device, when in fact he had his photo taken with the son of the Chairman in Parliament House in September 2017;

(c) has a history of using his position to benefit the Liberal Party, including awarding lucrative MRI licences to a Liberal Party Vice President and donor; and

(d) has to date failed to explain or account for his conduct; and

(2) therefore, calls on the Minister to make a statement to this House, explaining why his behaviour makes him fit to be the Minister in charge of our nation’s health system.

This is at its core a corrupt government. This is at its core a government which abuses the power that it holds. This is a government which has abused every element and lever at its disposal, and the health minister is no different to the others.

Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the member be no longer heard.

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

The question is that the member for McMahon be no further heard.

Is the motion seconded?

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I second the motion. This is corruption; that's what it is. This is meant to be an independent process—more independent than any other. It's about people's health—

Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Member be no longer heard.

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

The question is that the Manager of Opposition Business be no further heard.

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

The question is that the motion moved by the member for McMahon be agreed to.