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 Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann. I refer to the condition imposed by the government under former Special Minister of State Ronaldson that the heads of agreement and lease establishing former Senator Day's electorate office at 77 Fullarton Road could only be executed if there were no net cost to the Commonwealth. Can the minister confirm his agreement to back pay six months of rent outside the terms of the lease would have resulted in a cost of over $30,000 to the Commonwealth?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I actually answered a question like this precise question yesterday. I confirmed for the Senate that not a single dollar in rent was paid on his 77 Fullarton Road office.

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

Senator Wong, a supplementary question.

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

Can the minister explain why he agreed to back pay six months rent outside the terms of the lease when this is demonstrably inconsistent with the conditions set by his predecessor? Why did he provide agreement to make this payment outside the terms of the lease, contrary to the conditions set by his predecessor?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I explained that in detail in my very comprehensive statement to the Senate. I also answered a question in similar terms from Senator Gallagher yesterday. I refer Senator Wong to my statement in my response to Senator Gallagher.

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

Senator Wong, a final supplementary question.

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

Was the minister's decision to agree to back pay six months rent a unilateral decision or did the minister consult with the Prime Minister or his office?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I indicated to the Senate in my very comprehensive statement on Monday, as Special Minister of State I worked in a nonpartisan fashion, in a confidential fashion and, indeed, with a focus on resolving problems within the rules and within the appropriate framework, of course.

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

Senator Gallagher, a point of order?

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A point of order on relevance. The question has not been addressed by the minister. The question directly goes to: was the decision to agree to back pay made unilaterally or was the Prime Minister consulted? That is the question we have asked the minister to answer.

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

The minister has been in order. The minister is only halfway through his answer. Minister, you have the call.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, for the benefit of Labor senators, no rent was paid. There was no back pay of rent and there was no prospective payment of rent. I fulfilled—

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

A point of order, Senator Wong?

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

On relevance. There is one question only. Did he make the decision unilaterally or did he consult the Prime Minister or his office? That is the question.

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

The question is slightly broader than that, Senator Wong. The question actually goes to payment of rent or agreement to payment of rent, and whether he made that decision. The question has to relate to another portion. It cannot be, 'Did he agree to make a decision?' It is the particular decision.

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

The decision.

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

Yes, that is right. The minister has been answering about the decision that he did not pay rent, and he is referring to his statement of comprehensive answers yesterday. I am listening to the minister. The minister is aware of the question. I call the minister.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Mr President. To assist Senator Wong, this was very much a routine matter, similar to matters raised with me by Labor members and senators from time to time.

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

Senator Wong, a point of order?

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

It is not relevant, Mr President, whether or not he talks to Labor senators. It is not relevant whether or not this is partisan. The question was: was the decision to agree to back pay six months rent made unilaterally or did you consult with the Prime Minister and his office? That was the question.

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

Minister, you have six seconds in which to complete your answer.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do not accept the premise of the question. To help Senator Wong, I conduct my responsibilities here as minister— (Time expired)