Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. Why did the Assistant Treasurer say the Minister for Women's Economic Security, Senator Hume, was being 'indulgent and, quite frankly, bizarre' when she wrote about the difficulties of juggling work and motherhood?

Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. I unreservedly apologised to Senator Hume, both privately and publicly, in relation to private messages that were made public. Senator Hume and I have worked very closely together for many years. We have worked very closely together as members of the Treasury team, very cooperatively. She is an outstanding minister, as I have relayed publicly on many occasions. As I said, I made very clearly my regret for those comments being made public. They were incorrect.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Members on my left! The member for Shortland! The minister has the call.

Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't think that's surprising; they were incorrect. It was unfair. Senator Hume is an outstanding minister, and I have apologised to her privately and publicly.