Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Keneally for the question. I do note that the first opposition question of the day came to me and was about sensitivities in a trade relationship and that the second opposition question today went to Senator Payne and was about conduct and comments and how they are handled in this place. This is quite a sensitive matter that Senator Keneally has asked a question about. I am surprised that she would raise it in the chamber in this way. Nonetheless, I can confirm that the AFP has charged a 65-year-old Melbourne man with offences.

In relation to what briefings occurred with government ministers in the conduct of any such investigations, I'll take that question on notice, Senator Keneally. Mr President, I think people would expect that AFP investigations are handled sensitively, confidentially and carefully. Indeed, actions of government ministers during those investigations also need to be appropriate and carefully conducted. Mr President, I'll come back with any information that can be appropriately provided to Senator Keneally without jeopardising in any way the types of actions that do now find themselves before the court.