George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I will check the precise date, but it was in 2016. Your question gives me the opportunity to address a misconception that lay at the heart of your colleague Senator Collins's question, when she suggests that there is a difference between me and the Solicitor-General in relation to what he says in paragraph 29 of his statement.

There is plainly a difference of view, Senator Wong, between the Solicitor-General and me as to whether the discussion that we had at the meeting in my office on 30 November 2015 constituted a consultation within the meaning of section 17 of the legislation act. That is a difference. I consider that it was. Mr Gleeson disputes that view. But that there was a discussion in my office on 30 November in relation to these matters cannot be disputed.