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 Treasurer, Senator Birmingham. Liberal MP Bridget Archer said she spent the first half of her meeting with Mr Morrison, Senator Payne and Mr Frydenberg 'crying and apologising' and that she requested that the meeting with Mr Morrison be delayed. Was the Treasurer aware of Mrs Archer's request?

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

I'm not aware of the details of conversations between the Treasurer and Mrs Archer in relation to that matter.

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

Mrs Archer has said that she went to Treasurer Frydenberg's office expecting a one-on-one conversation with him, but instead he took her to the Prime Minister's office. Did Mr Morrison ask Mr Frydenberg to bring Mrs Archer to his office? Or was it Mr Frydenberg's idea to ambush Mrs Archer with a meeting she was not ready for?

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

Again, I'm not aware of conversations between the Prime Minister and the Treasurer in relation to such matters. I would note that it would not be unusual for the Leader of the Liberal Party to want to engage with parliamentary members of the Liberal Party.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Keneally, a second supplementary question?

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

Former Liberal MP Julia Banks has said that when she crossed the floor Mr Frydenberg 'played good cop, trying to lure and ambush me, showering praise on me, declaring we were "very good friends", while saying I had to meet with the PM.' Was this good-cop tactic conceived by Mr Frydenberg? Or was he directed by Mr Morrison?

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

I'm aware that Ms Banks has made a number of media comments. I haven't seen that particular media comment. But in relation to the consequences of crossing the floor, I'm well aware of the difference between the consequences of crossing the floor on this side—the Liberal and National parties—

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, resume your seat. Senator Keneally on a point of order?

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

The point of order is direct relevance. The question was not about crossing the floor; it was about the meeting that occurred. There is no way this could be directly relevant to the question that was asked.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, I will bring you back to the question that was asked. But you have the call. I cannot direct a minister on how to answer a question.

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

Senator Keneally's question indeed did contain references to quotes about the consequences of crossing the floor. The point I was making in relation to the consequences of crossing the floor is that on our side of the chamber, the Liberal and National parties, members and senators have a right to cross the floor. Yes, you would expect and anticipate that party leaders would wish to discuss that with Liberal or National MPs. But, for those opposite, there is no such right. The only consequence there is that their party tosses them out if they cross the floor. That is a fundamental difference, and it's a difference of which we are all very proud, on this side.