Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator Brandis. I refer to the specific role offered to the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission at the request of the Attorney-General on 3 February, 2015. What specific role related to international affairs was offered to Professor Triggs?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Conroy, as a matter of fact, I did try to share this with the opposition. I did offer Senator Wong a private briefing and she declined.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I again ask: what specific role was offered to Professor Triggs? Was the specific role offered to Professor Triggs discussed with the foreign minister, or her office, before or after it was made?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have offered a private briefing to Senator Wong. I renew that offer, and I have nothing more to say.

I have indicated that this is a matter which ought to be the subject of a private briefing and that I am prepared to trust Senator Wong's discretion and ethics in observing the confidentiality of such a briefing, should she choose to take it. I renew the offer. If she chooses not to take it, and to keep herself in ignorance, that is entirely a matter for her.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. I again ask: what specific role was offered to Professor Triggs? Was the specific role offered to Professor Triggs discussed with the Prime Minister, or his office, before or after it was made?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have nothing to add to my earlier answer.