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

I thank the senator for the question. I have no personal knowledge but I understand that the Prime Minister has made it clear, and the White House has made it clear, and the United States Ambassador has made it clear that the reported comment was never made and was inaccurate. The US Ambassador has made it clear that the matter is now concluded. I think if everyone had made it clear that the reported comment was never made then clearly it could not have been leaked. So, as far as the government are concerned and as far as the United States Ambassador is concerned, the matter is closed.

There was a call between the Prime Minister and the President of the United States where they both emphasised the importance of the G20 and its response to the global financial crisis. That was the purpose of the call from the Prime Minister to the President of the United States and that, I think, is an important call. Certainly, from the Australian government’s point of view, it was important that there was a commitment to the G20. I think all parties to the call and the US Ambassador have made it clear that they have a common understanding and that the matter, as far as they are concerned, is closed.