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 Prime Minister, Senator Birmingham. On 31 October, LNP MP George Christensen posted a photo of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews on his Telegram account, inciting violent comments threatening Premier Andrews' life. These posts have been drawn to the attention of the Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews, and have been referred to the AFP. What action has Mr Morrison taken in response to Mr Christensen's online activity?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Keneally for the question. I note that Senator Keneally indicated that the posts had been either drawn to the attention of or referred to the Minister of Home Affairs. This, I can say, is the first I am aware of the post in question, so in terms of any other engagement that government may have had, I will take that on notice.

Slade Brockman (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

On 26 August, Mr Christensen posted a video of Catherine King MP, which incited threatening comments directed at Ms King. The post was drawn to the attention of the AFP. What action has Mr Morrison taken in response to this online activity from Mr Christensen?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Once again, I will take that on notice in terms of any further information that can be provided beyond what the senator has referenced in relation to whether any agencies or others are looking at those matters. Again, I am not aware of the specific content of the post the senator is referring to.

Slade Brockman (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

Given Mr Christensen has fomented anger and failed to moderate comments inciting violence in his own social media account, has the Prime Minister directed Mr Christensen to remove posts and comments inciting violence against the Premier of Victoria and any other public figure?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Let me be very clear in stating in the chamber, as I said on radio this morning and said in a number other places and as the Prime Minister has said as well, there is no place for violence or remarks that insight violence or create or inflame unnecessary tensions in ways that could provoke violence in Australian political debate. I have taken on notice the specific references to Mr Christensen's apparent posts or content on sites. As I said in response to those questions, I'm not aware of the particular posts Senator Keneally refers to or the particular content she refers to but if there is any information on engagement in those matters that I can add and bring to the chamber, I will do so.