Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. Is it the Prime Minister's intention to have Deputy Prime Minister Joyce act as the Prime Minister while Prime Minister Turnbull is absent from Australia next week?

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

Yes.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McAllister.

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sky News is reporting that the Prime Minister has been ringing National Party members of parliament and senators to gauge support for Deputy Prime Minister Joyce. Are these reports correct and, if so, has the Prime Minister also canvassed alternative acting arrangements?

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

That story is absolutely incorrect.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McAllister, a final supplementary question.

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does Deputy Prime Minister Joyce maintain the Prime Minister's full confidence?

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

Yes.