Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 22 September 2011:

With reference to the answers provided to questions on notice nos 845 (Senate, Hansard, 24 August 2011, p. 127) and 1028 (Senate, Hansard, 13 September 2011, p. 92):

(1) What endeavours were made to answer these questions.

(2) Were staff asked if they had offered any direction or advice to Ministers on how to structure their media staff; if so, how many staff were asked and in each instance, what was the response.

(3) Question 845 was expressed in clear terms and should be answered. If the Prime Minister is not prepared to answer the question could an explanation be provided as to why.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

As advised in answer to question on notice 845, and reaffirmed in answer to question on notice 1028, the assignment of particular duties to individual staff members is a matter for ministers and their chiefs of staff.