House debates

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Questions without Notice

Attorney-General

3:08 pm

Photo of Kate ThwaitesKate Thwaites (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Yesterday the Prime Minister said the Attorney-General would not perform certain functions of his office. If the Prime Minister intends to allow the Attorney-General to resume his duties without an independent inquiry, will the Attorney-General be responsible for the Sex Discrimination Act?

3:09 pm

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I refer the member to the response I gave to these matters yesterday. I can advise the member that advice has been sought from the Solicitor-General in relation to the scope of the A-G's portfolio responsibilities in light of the defamation lawsuit. Once that advice is received, arrangements that are consistent with it will be put in place at the time of the A-G's return.