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 Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Cash. In evidence to the Federal Court today, Minister Cash's former senior media adviser admitted that when deciding to leak advance notice of the Federal Police raids, he was motivated by damaging the Leader of the Opposition's reputation. Given we now know the minister's office was motivated by an attempt to damage the reputation of the Leader of the Opposition, can the minister guarantee to the Senate that it was not a motivation she shared?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cameron for the question. Senator Cameron is presenting me with information of which I am unaware. As this matter is before the courts, I do not propose to comment any further.

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

Senator Cameron, a supplementary question?

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

I remind the minister that even yesterday in this chamber she referenced the Leader of the Opposition in her answers. Can the minister advise the Senate whether being motivated by damaging the Leader of the Opposition's reputation is consistent with the legal obligations of the minister and her office?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What Senator Cameron conveniently forgets is that the issue itself is all about the proper authorisation of donations made by the AWU. But, again, insofar as this matter is actually being heard before the courts, I don't propose to comment any further.

Scott Ryan (President) 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

Aren't the actions of the minister and her office just another example of a desperate and deceitful government willing to say and do anything to cling on to power?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No.