Hansard
Tuesday, 3rd August 2021
Misrepresentation
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Leader of the Opposition) (15:12): I seek leave to give a personal explanation.
The SPEAKER: Does the Leader of the Opposition claim to have been misrepresented?
Mr ALBANESE: I do, Mr Speaker, most grievously and particularly inappropriately by the Prime Minister.
The SPEAKER: Then you may proceed.
Mr ALBANESE: Today in question time the Prime Minister asserted that I had not taken up the invite of a briefing from Lieutenant General Frewen. The facts are these: on 23 June 2021 my office received an email from Nigel Blunden on behalf of Lieutenant General Frewen offering a briefing. On 25 June my office responded, accepting the offer of a briefing. On 25 June, also, the director of the vaccination communication team in the Department of Health responded, saying her team would reach out to start pulling it together 'next week'. I received no further communication between 25 June and 20 July. A communication then offered a briefing during the first sitting week in August. My office responded, agreeing with this. Subsequently, there were attempts to organise a time which was mutually acceptable, where we were all available. At the end of the correspondence from my office to Minister Hunt's office, which has been very professional during this, is: 'I am hopeful one of the following times will suit the COVID-19 task force principals. Tomorrow'—this is as of yesterday—'Tuesday 3 August at 11.30 am or 3.30 pm, or Thursday at 4 pm,' and then an email back from the person: 'Let's lock in 4 pm on Thursday. Invite to follow.' They're the facts, Mr Speaker, and I find the Prime Minister's behaviour completely reprehensible but consistent with his character.
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
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Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese, ALP, Canberra.