Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Unfortunately, yes I can. I can update the Senate on recent allegations of secret payments made to the AWU by employers. What we do know from the evidence that has been provided is that these payments were made. Unfortunately, I cannot update the Senate on the reasons for which those payments were made. What we do not know is why these payments were made and exactly what the AWU gave to the employer in return. But I can advise the Senate that there is one person who can clean this up and, quite frankly, can clean it up this afternoon—and that is, of course, the Leader of the Opposition. He could answer the following questions: why he kept this deal secret from his members if he was confident that it was above board? What was his role in the negotiations for these payments? What was the company buying when it made these payments? And what was the AWU giving in return? Simple questions that require answers. (Time expired)