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Monday, 13 February 2012
Page: 851

Prime Minister

Mr PYNE (Sturt—Manager of Opposition Business) (14:41): My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister stand by her statement on 28 January that Mr Hodges was advised by the journalists at the Lobby restaurant that Mr Abbott that morning had made a statement in relation to the tent embassy in Canberra?

Ms GILLARD (Lalor—Prime Minister) (14:42): I dealt with these matters earlier. My statements are all on the public record, and I refer the member to them.

Mr PYNE (Sturt—Manager of Opposition Business) (14:42): Mr Speaker, I ask a supplementary question. As it appears the Prime Minister has stood by the statement in that transcript, can the Prime Minister then explain why last Wednesday David Speers reported: 'Well, I did have Mr Hodges in the office here on the day that we are talking about before the protest had actually happened and he did refer to Tony Abbott's comments.' How was Mr Hodges briefing Mr Speers in the Sky studio before the protest on something the Prime Minister claims he did not yet know?

Ms GILLARD (Lalor—Prime Minister) (14:42): In answer to the member's question I would say that I have dealt with these questions. I refer him to the statements that I have made. I say to the member who asked the question, as Prime Minister I am responsible for a lot but I am not sure I am responsible for David Speers's statements on Sky TV.