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

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. I refer the minister to the column written by former Labor state secretary and former Labor chief of staff Cameron Milner in the Australian today marking the anniversary of the tragic death of our former colleague Kimberley Kitching. Is Mr Milner correct that there still has not been an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying?

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm going to ask for order and I expect there to be order.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week is the anniversary of Senator Kitching's passing. I would express again that our thoughts are with her loved ones as that anniversary approaches. It is as I said in the condolence speech. I think I and many others in this place understand what it is to lose someone you love and how anniversaries are difficult.

Senator Kitching was someone who was deeply interested in Australia's place in the world, and I believe she would be very proud of what this Labor government is doing. She's greatly missed by many, including many of her colleagues, and by her family. I have responded to these matters at length previously, including the question you raised, and I'd refer you to those answers.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, first supplementary?

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

MINGHAM (—) (): Will the Prime Minister act on Mr Milner's call for an open and independent investigation into the bullying claims?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I said in my earlier answer I've responded, as has the Prime Minister, prior to the election, to these matters and I'd refer you to those answers.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, second supplementary?

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

Can the minister please put on the record: why has the Prime Minister refused to undertake an open and independent investigation?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

These matters were traversed in great detail prior to the election, including publicly, and I would refer you to the many answers which were given.