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 4 April 2012:

In regard to the visit by the Indian national cricket team to Kirribilli House on 3 January 2012:

(1)   At what time did the team arrive at Kirribilli House.

(2)   At what time was the team granted access to Kirribilli House.

(3)   Was there a delay in providing access; if so, what was the:

  (a)   length of the delay; and

  (b)   reason for the delay.

(4)   Did media have access to Kirribilli House at 1.45 pm; if not, why not; if so, from what time were they permitted access.

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:

I am advised that the answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1)   The event was scheduled to start at 2.00 pm. Following discussion of the arrangements with Cricket Australia, it was agreed that the Australian Cricket Team would arrive at 2.10 pm and Indian Cricket Team would arrive at 2.20 pm. The Indian team arrived at Kirribilli House at 1.40 pm.

(2)   The Prime Minister was promptly advised of the early arrival of the Indian team. The Prime Minister and Mr Mathieson quickly made themselves available to welcome the Indian team. The Indian team was held at the gate to Kirribilli House for a period of 5-7 minutes

(3)   See answers to (1) and (2) above.

(4)   In accordance with normal practice, the media were invited to Kirribilli House in sufficient time to cover the introductions of both teams to the Prime Minister, and the welcome remarks made by the Prime Minister and the responses of both team captains. They were granted access at the appropriate time for them to undertake their responsibilities.