Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I have a question for you. I would ask that you examine—I don't have access to the Hansard, but I particularly refer to the answer given by the Minister for Defence in his last dorothy dixer, and it goes to two issues. One is the issue that was raised by the Manager of Opposition Business with regard to the reflections on members of a very serious nature that were made during that debate. I take that very seriously, and the idea that that should be the subject of partisanship and partisan domestic debate at a time of international uncertainty is just not acceptable and is not in Australia's national interests.

The second point I make is just as serious or perhaps more so. In the Minister for Defence's answer, he referred to a purported view, purportedly expressed by the Director-General of ASIO. I have regular briefings. I had a briefing with the head of ONI yesterday. I had a briefing with the Director-General of ASIO two weeks ago. I take national security in today's world very seriously, and that's why I do that. The idea that—

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition, if he's wanting me to examine something—

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Mr Speaker.

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't want to give you the opportunity to relitigate something—

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand, Mr Speaker.

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

so if you want to point something out to me, that's fine.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My point is that the Minister for Defence—and I think it is probably up to you to talk directly to the Director-General of ASIO, because there are some matters, due to the nature of those organisations, that we don't discuss here. It would be up to you, but certainly you would have the capacity to do that. But to bring in someone from outside who is well-respected, who has a job in our national security infrastructure, and attempt to use them in a partisan way is a very serious matter indeed. I ask you to reflect on the comments of the Minister for Defence and report back to the House next week.

Andrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Leader of the Opposition.