Feb 15, 2018

Questions without notice – Deputy Prime Minister

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler) (14:52): My question is addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister, and I refer to his previous answers. In his statement to the House today the Deputy Prime Minister said:

… basically, ‘Mates don’t pay for things when they’re helping other mates out …

As a cabinet minister, the Deputy Prime Minister is in the privileged position of administering government agencies. How many times has the Deputy Prime Minister used taxpayers’ money to help his mate out?

Mr Pyne interjecting—

The SPEAKER: No, that question’s in order. No, the Deputy Prime Minister can—

Mr Watts: It is outrageous!

The SPEAKER: And the member for Gellibrand can leave under the 94(a).

The member for Gellibrand then left the chamber.

Mr JOYCE (New England—Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Leader of The Nationals) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for Grayndler for his question. Obviously, the idea that at this point of time I could determine (a) who my mates are, (b) what payments have been made and (c) be able to deliver it now is absolutely and patently absurd.