Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Despite my voice, I don't think any of my colleagues are falling asleep as I'm answering this question today. We treat our former Prime Ministers with courtesy and respect. The work expense arrangements for all of them are the same. I believe that all of them pursue alternative opportunities to contribute, internationally and domestically. I don't believe the information Senator Lambie has, that Mr Abbott is paid for work that he is conducting to facilitate international trade. I don't believe he's paid for that role. I don't think it is appropriate to make the sorts of reflections that were just supported by a Labor senator in this chamber—disappointingly—in relation to any of our former prime ministers.