Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Cabinet Secretary, Senator Sinodinos. I refer to the minister's public statement on 21 September 2015 that he is confident he will not be the subject of any 'adverse findings' following the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation into Australian Water Holdings known as 'Operation Credo'. Has the minister provided an assurance to the Prime Minister that he will not be the subject of adverse findings by the Independent Commission Against Corruption?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What I have said to the Prime Minister privately is what I have said publicly.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Can the minister explain to the Senate on what basis he has provided an assurance to the Prime Minister that the minister would not be the subject of adverse findings by the Independent Commission Against Corruption?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Based on an encyclopaedic knowledge of the proceedings.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You lost your memory!

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

Senator Cameron, your leader is on her feet.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I assume on that basis 'I do not recall' will not be part of the explanation. Will the minister now do what he failed to do when Assistant Treasurer and provide to this chamber a full and frank statement about his involvement with Australian Water Holdings?

Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If and when the final reports are released, I will be happy to provide any further elaboration to the chamber. It will be a fascinating statement.