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

Firstly, Mr Abbott is no longer a member of the Australian parliament, so the constitutional arrangements around eligibility for federal members of parliament do not apply to Mr Abbott. Mr Abbott, like any former member of parliament or any former Prime Minister under the old parliamentary pension arrangements, obviously qualifies for the arrangements that have been in place for all on the same basis. I think it's entirely inappropriate to make the suggestions that are being made here. I think it is deeply personal and inappropriate, and—

Senator Wong interjecting—

No, Senator Wong, quite frankly, everyone after they leave is entitled to pursue other career opportunities and the retirement income arrangements under—