Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Cash. I refer to reports that the minister may be cross-examined in court over her knowledge of and involvement in the leaking of AFP operational information concerning their raid on AWU offices. Can the minister confirm to the Senate that she will make herself available to the court and that she will not resist any subpoena?

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

I thank Senator Watt for the question. At this point in time, it is merely a statement that has been made by the AWU—nothing more and nothing less.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

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

Order! Senator Cash has completed—

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

I was going to take a point of order on direct relevance, Mr President, given that she's been asked a direct request about whether she will be making herself available to the court. I invite the minister to respond subsequently.

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

On the point of order, Senator Cormann?

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

That was only the second question, which was obviously irrelevant given that the first question was essentially dismissed as not being an accurate reflection of the current circumstances.

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

On the point of order, the minister had concluded her answer. Secondly, Senator Cormann makes a valid point: there were two parts to that question. The minister was addressing the preface of the actual question asked at the end of it. Senator Watt, a supplementary question.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Will that cross-examination in court be the minister's first time answering questions about her involvement in the leaking of AFP operational information, or has the minister answered questions in an interview with the AFP already?

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

Again, in relation to the first part of the question, it is merely a hypothetical. In relation to the second part of the question, that was actually addressed by the AFP at estimates.

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

Senator Watt, a final supplementary question.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When will this minister stop misleading the Senate and hiding the truth, and come clean on her involvement in the leaking of AFP operational material?

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

Order on my left! Senator O'Sullivan, on a point of order?

Barry O'Sullivan (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, that's a serious aspersion to cast on a member of this Senate—that they're misleading the Senate. There is absolutely no evidence to that effect, and it should be withdrawn.

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

Senator Wong, on the point of order?

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

I think it is beyond dispute that the minister misled the Senate in Senate estimates on, I think, seven occasions, which she then had to correct. That is beyond dispute—I don't think even the minister disputes it. She disputes whether or not she knew it.

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

On the point of order, I don't find the language unparliamentary in nature. The minister has an opportunity to respond to the question as put by Senator Watt.

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

In relation to Senator Watt's question, I completely reject the premise of the question. In relation to the points that Senator Wong has made: Senator Wong, you will be aware that I answered all questions based on the knowledge I had at the time. When that knowledge changed, I addressed the Senate.

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

Order! Senator Wong?

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

I understand it was five times, not seven, Mr President, so I withdraw 'seven' and put 'five'.

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

Please resume your seat, Senator Wong.