Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery) Share this | Hansard source

I would remind the good senator and those opposite about the follies of placing too much stock in emails that have allegedly been leaked by public servants. In relation to the email that the good senator is referring to, I will take on some of those allegations. At no stage was I advised, or did I advise, that the Home Insulation Program needed to be delayed. As I have said on numerous occasions, I was present when risk to the Commonwealth and program risk were discussed regarding the Home Insulation Program. The advice to me was that these risks were being managed during the implementation of the scheme by the department of the environment. Also, at no stage did I direct, or am I aware of any direction, that I be briefed instead of Minister Garrett regarding the Home Insulation Program and I do not believe that any direction was given.

Thank you, Mr President. Also in that email that Senator Cormann is referring to were allegations regarding the media opportunities. I reject those. It may be the good senator’s next question, so I hope that I am not taking his next question from him. I find it very difficult to believe the email about being offered media opportunities first. My record shows that I attended only five media engagements regarding this program over 12 months and two of those were with Mr Garrett. (Time expired)