Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Sport) Share this | Hansard source

I am happy to answer the question. The question does lie well outside my portfolio duties; but, given that I have only two question times left, I am very happy to answer the question for you, Senator, and I will be as direct as possible. I have not actually read the Australian article so it is very difficult for me to deal with the detail in the article itself. I had no conversations, prior to my announcement and prior to talking to the Prime Minister, with former Premier Bob Carr whatsoever, and I was very surprised when it was raised in the media. The speculation that somehow there had been a deal or some sort of set-up is totally incorrect. When I spoke to the Prime Minister about my decision she was totally unaware, and that was following the leadership ballot. So I think the speculation in some of the newspapers and some of the online commentary is incorrect. (Time expired)