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

My question without notice is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. I refer to the leaking of a classified National Security Committee document to The Australian newspaper, accompanied by quotes from Mr Abbott, and to Senator Abetz's statement that:

I think it is a big jump to suggest it was a parliamentarian.

Does the minister agree?

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

I have not seen Mr Abbott's statement—

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

Senator Abetz's.

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

I am sorry, Senator Abetz's statement. I can confirm that the Australian Federal Police have received a referral from the Department of Defence regarding the possible unauthorised release of the information to which he refers. The AFP issued a media statement saying that it will evaluate the matter in accordance with its normal protocols. While the matter is being evaluated, it is not appropriate—for reasons that the senator will understand—for me to comment further.

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. I refer to Senator Abetz's statement:

… leaks should be condemned whether by parliamentarians or indeed by officials.

Will the Attorney-General join the opposition in rejecting any imputation that NSC officials were responsible for the leak of a classified NSC document to The Australian?

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

Although I have not seen Senator Abetz's statement, it is plainly the case that leaks should be condemned. The matter has been referred to the Australia Federal Police. They are evaluating the matter to see if an investigation is warranted, and for that reason it would not be appropriate for me to comment on that evaluation or on future possible investigation.

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. I, again, refer to the leak of a classified NSC document: are there are any members of parliament assisting the AFP with their inquiries?

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

While I do not want to go beyond my earlier answer, I should tell you that there is no investigation. There is an evaluation by the Australian Federal Police in accordance with their ordinary processes of a referral from the Department of Defence. Until that evaluation is completed, there will be no inquiries by the Australia Federal Police. That is the usual procedure.