Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Cash. When classified ASIO advice was leaked in February, ASIO Director-General Duncan Lewis said that when classified advice is leaked 'it undermines all that we stand for'. Given the strength of the Director-General's view, why did the AFP discontinue its investigation?

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

As Senator Keneally would know, the Australian Federal Police conduct their investigations and carry out their operations independent from government, and the AFP considers this matter finalised.

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

Senator Keneally, a supplementary question.

Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Former AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said:

… we didn’t actually commence an investigation, because we immediately saw that the prospects of a successful investigation or prosecution were limited.

But given that FOI documents released today reveal that only 10 people in the Department of Home Affairs plus the minister had access to this confidential advice, does the minister agree that the prospects of prosecution are limited?

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

Again, I would refer to my previous answer.

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

Senator Keneally, a final supplementary question.

Kristina Keneally (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to the leak, Minister Dutton said, 'I haven't leaked anything.' The minister also said, 'Nobody is above the law, and the police have a job to do under the law.' That means only 10 people are left. Will the minister now commit to reopening the investigation?

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

In response to that question, I again refer to my answer to the initial question.