10. JUDITH COLLINS (National—Clevedon) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How many speeches has he delivered in his capacity as Minister for Social Development and Employment?
Did the Minister agree to speak at the 10th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect last week; if so, why did he not front up to speak—was it because of the police finding of a prima facie case that he assaulted children in his care, and that to do so would be extremely duplicitous?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister was asked a very straightforward question on how many speeches he has delivered in his capacity as Minister for Social Development and Employment. He gave a very specific answer. Supplementary questions must relate to either the question or the answer. Why someone chose, or did not choose, to give another speech does not relate to either.
John CarterThat is really a silly point of order from this point of view. The question was about how many speeches the Minister has given. The supplementary question asked about the contents of those speeches, and was quite within order.
Madam SPEAKERI understand the point of order as raised by the Minister, and one could say that, strictly, the question was only about the number of speeches. However, it was about speeches, so I rule that in fact the question is in order.
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I certainly do not agree with the proposition in the second part of the question, but I am only too happy to stand in line behind the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and my colleague Ruth Dyson, who has delegated responsibility in this area.
Does the Minister consider that an event of the size and importance of last week’s conference on child abuse, at which he was listed in the programme as a speaker, should have been one that he spoke at, given his ministry’s role in co-hosting?
How does the Minister expect to carry out his job if every time he is asked to speak on issues of child abuse he has to be aware that listeners are wondering how he has the cheek to lecture them about children’s rights when he has shown so little regard for them himself?
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is clearly a very predictable point of order.
Yes, the word “cheek” is obviously what you are objecting to. Would the member like to withdraw that phrase, please.
I am sorry, but that is coming really close to trifling with the House. Would the member please withdraw the word and leave it at that.
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
Without difficulty. Can I refer the member to the statement released by the police on 23 November last year.
Was that the statement that also said there was a prima facie case that the Minister had assaulted children in his care?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
It was a statement that made it very clear that the police had fully investigated those matters and chosen to take no further action.