House debates

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

Questions without Notice

Australian Bushfires

2:16 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is again to the Prime Minister, and I refer to his previous answer, where he suggested that it was necessary to have a Liberal Party authorisation on his ad which had a Liberal Party donation button attached to it. Isn't it a fact that only electoral matters require party authorisation and there is long precedent for government information which is not party political to not require such an authorisation? The only reason it was authorised by the Liberal Party is because it was so political. (Time expired)

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The video presentation was posted on my Facebook page, and that requires an authorisation. That is the advice that is provided to me. That is the same as is practised by the Leader of the Opposition, and I table his tweet that says:

Listening to people. Respecting people. Putting forward practical suggestions that would make a difference.

That's what I've been focused on. That's what I'll continue to do.

…   …   …

Authorised by Anthony Albanese, ALP, Canberra

I have just followed the practice in communicating with the Australian people. For the Labor Party to characterise it in the way they have is simply false and a misrepresentation by a Labor Party leader who wants to politicise the bushfires.

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Members on both sides! The member for Sydney is warned. The member for Gorton is warned.