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. It relates to his previous answers about matters before the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption. In question time yesterday, the minister categorically denied that he had ever participated in or witnessed discussions about the use of the Free Enterprise Foundation to channel and disguise prohibited donations to the New South Wales Liberal Party. Does he recall that, when asked by counsel assisting ICAC if he were party to a discussion that canvassed channelling and disguising donations, he said, 'If there were such a suggestion it went over my head'? Why has the minister told the Senate one thing and the Independent Commission Against Corruption another?

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

Senator Wong, just before I call the Cabinet Secretary: you may be aware—you may not be aware, but I assume you are aware—that a matter along these lines has been raised with me, which I will be making a statement about later in the day. I am just going to take advice from the Clerk as to whether the question should stand or not stand. Thank you for the indulgence. I will let the question stand, on advice.

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

I stand by my answer yesterday very strongly, and, Senator Wong, I suggest you look at the whole transcript apart from selectively quoting from it.

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 again to the Cabinet Secretary's categorical denial that he participated in or witnessed discussions about the use of the Free Enterprise Foundation to channel and disguise donations by prohibited donors. I note his evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, where he did not recall conversations about the Free Enterprise Foundation a staggering 95 times during his appearance. Given his newfound memory, will the Cabinet Secretary now seek to clarify his evidence to ICAC?

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

Again, this is selective use of material. I was asked that question directly by the commissioner—

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

Ninety-five times!

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

Order! Senator Wong, you have asked your question.

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

and I gave the answer that I gave that I have referred to in this place already. You also conflated the two inquiries in some of the facts you are seeking to assert here.

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. Is the Commonwealth or any private party providing the Cabinet Secretary with any financial support in relation to legal costs associated with ongoing investigations by the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and/or the New South Wales Electoral Commission?

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

I have made all the necessary disclosures in that regard. I have got nothing to add.