Page 48 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
My question is: what conversation did you or your office have with Ms Sattler about the protest on Australia Day?
DR BOURKE: I thank Mr Hanson for his question and his clarification. UnionsACT contacted my office on 27 January. I understand that they wanted a contact in federal parliament to deliver a declaration of sovereignty from the tent embassy. My office was unable to help them and that was the end of the conversation.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you. We will move on to a supplementary question now. Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, what conversations have you or your office had with the Prime Minister’s office or other people from the federal government about the events on Australia Day?
DR BOURKE: As I said, my office was contacted on the day by Mr Hodges from the Prime Minister’s office seeking a media comment on Mr Abbott’s statement regarding the tent embassy. My office said that I was not available and referred to him to Ms Sattler as an alternative media contact.
Mr Hanson: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. The question, quite clearly, is about the events following Australia Day. Ms Sattler said that following those events she contacted Dr Bourke. My supplementary question is about what conversations he has had following the events of Australia Day, not the events of Australia Day. I would ask Dr Bourke to address what occurred in conversation between him and the federal government and the Prime Minister’s office after the events of Australia Day.
MR SPEAKER: Dr Bourke, do you wish to add anything in your remaining time?
DR BOURKE: Mr Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I had no conversations at all with the Prime Minister’s office.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
MR COE: What conversations have you or your office had with the Australian Federal Police about the events that occurred on Australia Day?
DR BOURKE: I have had no discussions with the Australian Federal Police regarding the events of Australia Day. I understand that my office, in the inquiry as to whether there should be an inquiry, has provided information to the Federal Police, as they should.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video