Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his supplementary question. I did read those comments in the newspaper today. Obviously, they are a very forthright expression of view by the judge. All I can say is that the Attorney-General has made it clear that his comments were not directed at matters still before the court and that he thought it was important that he speak publicly about what was a highly publicised trial and charges in a most important matter within his portfolio. I think the Attorney-General was acting appropriately when responding to that decision. I think the public would expect him to. As I say, he made it clear that those comments were not directed at matters still before the court but at the decision that had been made on Monday.