Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Abetz. Senator, can you confirm that, under the constitution of the Tasmanian division of the Liberal Party of Australia, you were a member of the division's executive committee at the time that the then state director, Mr Damien Mantach, fraudulently misused his Liberal Party credit card, for which he was effectively sacked? When this issue became public a few weeks ago, why did you mislead the Australian people by claiming that the issue was one for the Tasmanian Liberal Party organisation, when in fact you were a part of that organisation by virtue of your membership of the executive committee? Exactly what were you trying to hide? Finally, you have admitted that you were briefed at the time—I note that he is a bit uncomfortable over there, Mr President—