Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator McKenzie. I refer to the minister's statements last week in relation to her role in the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program. As the former Minister for Sport, did the minister provide the health department with permission to access documents created in her office in relation to the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program for the purpose of those documents being provided to the Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Philip Gaetjens?

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There has been copious public commentary around sports grants. I have given a 6,000 word submission to the inquiry in this place and I have attended a Senate inquiry. I will let my comments on the public record which are very exhaustive stand.

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

Order, Senator McKenzie, I have Senator Farrell on a point of order.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was seeking the call while the minister was still speaking. It was a very specific question which could have easily had a yes or no answer.

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

I can't instruct the minister how to answer a question. If the minister is referring to a minister's previous comments that can be directly relevant. I am not in a position judge it otherwise. There is an opportunity, as always, to debate questions after question time. But I can't instruct the minister in the terms on which to answer a question. The minister has concluded. Senator Farrell, a supplementary question?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I do have a further question. Based on his analysis of the grants awarded and the list of marginal and targeted seats included in those documents, Mr Gaetjens claims that grants were awarded at a similar rate across other electorates. The minister herself has repeated those claims. Does she still stand by those claims?

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator, for your question. I stand by all my public commentary around the sports grants and I refer you to my previous statements.

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

Senator Farrell, a final supplementary question?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do have one. If that's the case, will she now give permission to the health department to provide those documents that I've been referring to to the Senate and, if not, why not?

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have nothing more to add to my very copious public statements on this matter.