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

My question is to the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash. The AFP has provided advice:

The AFP has commenced an investigation into the alleged unauthorised disclosure of information concerning recent search warrants executed in support of a Registered Organisations Commission investigation.

This morning the minister said, 'This is not an investigation into myself or my office.' If that is true, why is the minister refusing to provide copies of job advertisements in relation to a position in the minister's office prior to 29 October 2017?

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

I thank Senator Cameron for the question. As I advised senators this morning in my statement, this has been canvassed now at four separate Senate estimates hearings. This is the 12th Senate question time I have had. I have addressed these questions and I have nothing further to answer.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron—

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

Mr President, I was raising a point of order.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think the minister has concluded her answer, so you have the opportunity for a supplementary question, Senator Cameron.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Order! So I can hear Senator Cameron, please.

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

Behave yourselves! Can the minister confirm the Prime Minister's office is under investigation by the Australian Federal Police? If not, why is the minister refusing to provide details of communications between her office and the Prime Minister's office?

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

Again, as I said this morning and as I've said several times in estimates, the mere fact that Senator Cameron alleges something—and it doesn't matter how many times he alleges it—does not make it true. The Prime Minister's office is not under investigation. The basis of the investigation is as set out in the AFP's advice.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A final supplementary question, Senator Cameron.

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

Given the minister had to resort to Senator Macdonald as the only coalition senator to speak in her defence, isn't it clear that the minister has even lost the confidence of her own coalition colleagues?

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order!

Senator Wong interjecting—

Order, Senator Wong! I will call the minister when there's silence.

Senator Wong interjecting—

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—

Senator Macdonald and Senator Wong, if we'd like to hear from the minister, we should cease interjecting.

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

The answer to Senator Cameron's question is clearly no. In relation to Senator Macdonald, I am sure those on this side of the chamber would agree that he is a great member of the coalition. He makes an outstanding contribution. I have to say, I listened to him this morning outline how, as soon as Senator Cameron got to his seat, those on the other side literally fled the chamber. Senator Cameron, I have to say, if I were you, I'd be looking behind my back just to see who's not smiling.

Opposition senators interjecting —

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator O'Sullivan, you have the call.