Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

(—) (): The answer to that question is no. Of course, the thing that Senator Gallagher is completely ignoring is that, as a result of decisions that the government made, not a single dollar in rent was paid. At the time of executing the lease, the advice available to the government was that the Department of Finance—which conducted relevant searches—was not concerned about an ongoing interest base of then Senator Day in the 77 Fullarton Road property. When subsequent information emerged which suggested that there may be a link, we made a decision, under the circumstances, not to pay any rent. As such, it was understood at the time that there were no issues in relation to section 44 of the Constitution. Subsequently, the government received legal advice, namely on 27 October, that in the opinion of eminent counsel Mr Jackson QC the lease at the time of the breach— (Time expired)