David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash. I refer to the minister's earlier answer. Is the minister aware of any other reports of members of registered organisations being linked to questionable practices?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bushby for the question. Unfortunately, colleagues, yes, I am. The contempt for the rule of law by certain members of registered organisations does go beyond the CFMEU. The current Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten, has serious questions to answer about a number of scandals which relate to union members and the Australian Labor Party.

In October 2015, we saw a scandal where members of the Plumbers Union were allegedly signed up by the Australian Labor Party as part of Mr Shorten's local power base by paying for their membership with gift cards. Mr Shorten was very silent on this alleged process and continues to be silent to this day. But, today, we see another report where there are very serious questions for Mr Shorten to answer. Mr Shorten needs to explain his involvement with the latest cash-for-stacks scandal. A printer used by Mr Shorten on a number of occasions has been accused of creating fake invoices, receiving payment from the taxpayer and then funnelling that cash to pay for Labor Party memberships. Mr President, that is the definition of fraud.

Mr Shorten claims he knows nothing about this situation. But given the previous gift card scandal involving union members, it is imperative that he gives an account of this latest scandal involving his very own Victorian Labor Party. Mr Shorten needs to provide a copy of all invoices from the printer, where payments were made on Mr Shorten's behalf to F&M Printing, and he needs to clarify whether any of these funds were used for illegitimate purposes.

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

Senator Bushby, a supplementary question.

Senator Cameron interjecting—

Senator Cameron! I need to hear the question.

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is the minister aware of any commentary around this matter or any explanations that have been offered for these questionable practices?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Unfortunately, as was the case with the gift card scandal, Mr Shorten continues to say, 'I know nothing about this latest rort.' But, unfortunately, there is someone on the other side—

Senator Kim Carr interjecting—

And, yes, colleagues, he took the bait! Come on down, Senator Carr!

Senator Kim Carr interjecting—

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

Senator Carr!

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You see, Senator Carr, you also used the printer involved in this latest union scandal. But guess what, colleagues? When asked by the Herald Sun this morning how many times he had used the printer, do you know what Senator Carr's response was? 'I don't know.' He couldn't actually tell them how many times the printer had been used by his office. And, Senator Carr, you know the players in this game very, very well.

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

To the chair, Senator Cash.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You are very familiar with the ALP members who have allegedly been stacked into the Labor Party as part of this scam. You too need to come forward and give a very clear account. (Time expired)

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

Senator Bushby, a final supplementary question.

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister explain why it is important for those individuals who have been implicated in this matter to be open and transparent?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Because this is taxpayers' money. This is taxpayers' money and potential misuse of taxpayers' money that we're talking about. All of us in this chamber would agree that every cent of taxpayers' money needs to be accounted for. Unfortunately, what we are seeing is a pattern of behaviour here. We saw allegations about members of the Plumbers Union having their Labor Party membership in Mr Shorten's electorate paid for by gift cards. What we now have is an accusation of fraud from a company which has been used by the opposition leader, Mr Shorten. Mr Shorten and those on the other side—for all their talk, colleagues, in relation to respect of the rule of law—need to stand up now, show that they respect the rule of law and respect taxpayers' money, and provide a full account of what occurred.