Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. On Thursday, Senator Stoker appeared on Sky News and said, in relation to the Queensland Premier, 'She's choking the economy by having these borders shut. She's the knee on the throat of the businesses of Queensland, stopping them from breathing.' Does Mr Morrison agree that it was insensitive and inappropriate for Senator Stoker to use the words of a dying man to make a political point on late-night TV?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I didn't see those comments and, rather than to provide commentary on alleged commentary, I'll have a conversation with Senator Stoker separately.

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

Senator McCarthy, a supplementary question.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, what action will Mr Morrison take?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's the first I've heard of this, and I've just indicated what I will do before making any further comment. I'm not aware whether the Prime Minister is aware of these comments, so I would have to take that question on notice.

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

Senator McCarthy, a final supplementary question.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Stoker is locked in a battle for Queensland LNP Senate pre-selection against Senator McGrath. Does Senator Stoker have Mr Morrison's full support?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister supports all his colleagues and, of course, pre-selections are a matter for party organisations.