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

My question is to the Prime Minister. Yesterday, General Campbell, the chief of the Defence Force, and the Prime Minister were asked the same question: did they speak about the Prime Minister's bushfire ad? General Campbell answered 'yes'. General Campbell could give a straight answer to that simple question. Why can't the Prime Minister? Did General Campbell speak to the Prime Minister to object to the Liberal Party bushfire advertisement?

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

I confirmed yesterday that the CDF and I had discussed this matter. I confirmed that in this House yesterday.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Members on my left!

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

Those opposite may not have been paying attention. But, if they reflect on what I said yesterday, I confirmed that he and I spoke on regular occasions, which includes this matter. I wouldn't characterise—

Opposition members interjecting—

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

The Prime Minister will pause for a second. Prime Minister, your microphone was off, because I am warning those on my left, who demand that I hear the answer. The Prime Minister has the call.

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

I would not characterise the conversation in the way that the member just did at the dispatch box.