Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. I do not really wish to go to the detail, particularly details of places where I was not present or to reflect on anyone where I was not present. To my knowledge, there was no consumption of alcohol by anyone in the party anywhere on the island. I do not wish to bore those in this place with any detail, but the allegations that Senator Crossin refers to are allegations about an airport. Going to the facts of the matter, I did not attend that place; I actually stayed on the vessel. So it is a long bow to draw.

With regard to the notion that this is somehow insensitive in some way, all I can say is that I went to great efforts to communicate the intention of the trip with the Tiwi Islands council. I was given the advice that we should seek certain permits, which we got. They had full knowledge of the nature of the trip, where we were going and what we were doing. I sought their advice and complied lawfully in every way.