Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is again to the Prime Minister. Is Senator Abetz a fit and proper person to represent the government on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, given that the Speaker of the Tasmanian parliament quoted him responding to the allegations of serious sexual assault against the Attorney-General with: 'Yes, it was the first law officer of the nation, Christian Porter. But not to worry: the woman is dead and the law will protect him'? Do you believe her?

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

I'm just going to point out that these questions are in danger of breaching the standing orders inasmuch as members cannot reflect on other members or senators except by way of substantive motion. I'm just pointing that out to be helpful. I am going to allow the question, but I'm pointing it out as a caution for questions but also for any other contributions in other forms of the House.

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

The comments that have been referred to by the Speaker are obviously repugnant. What I can only refer to is the absolute denial of those statements by Senator Abetz. Now, I was not a party to this conversation. There were two persons who were allegedly party to this conversation. I was not one of them; nor was the member who asked the question.

Mr Perrett interjecting—

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

The member for Moreton will leave under 94(a).

The member for Moreton then left the chamber.

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

The matter has been absolutely denied by Senator Abetz, and that is a matter of public record, and he will continue to serve in the role that he has. Senator Abetz has been a significant contributor to the chamber opposite—to the Senate—over a long period of time. He has served his state and he has served his nation. He has served as a minister both in the Howard government and over the term of this coalition government since they were elected. So, he will continue to serve in the roles that he now serves in within the Senate. I can only refer to his complete denial of those allegations. But the actual comments that have been quoted of course the government would find completely and utterly repugnant.