Nova Peris (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Was the President of Kiribati, Mr Tong, correct when he said that the immigration minister's joke about rising water levels in the Pacific 'shows a sense of moral irresponsibility quite unbecoming of leadership in any capacity'?

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

As my good friend the Attorney said in response to a Greens question, the circumstances surrounding an unfortunate comment have been dealt with by the minister. He apologised and, as far as we are concerned, that is the beginning and the end of the matter.

Nova Peris (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Was a traditional owner of Cape York, Mr Pearson, correct when he said that the immigration minister's joke about Cape York shows 'soft bigotry and low expectations'?

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

The two people that the honourable senator has now quoted would agree with Mr Dutton when he apologised for the matter. I think that they will accept the apology and move on, unlike the senator opposite.

Nova Peris (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Is Mr Dutton's conduct consistent with the standards expressed in the Statement of ministerial standards? Has the Prime Minister sanctioned the immigration minister, or is he still laughing at his minister's disgraceful joke?

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

An apology has been given. The apology stands. There is nothing further to be said in relation to the matter. The day that Senator Peris, or indeed anybody else in this place, has nothing to apologise for will be an interesting day. We extend courtesy to others, and it should be extended to Mr Dutton.

An opposition senator: Withdraw!

Why?

Opposition senators interjecting—

There was no innuendo.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The minister is in order.