Download Fragment

Monday, 27 February 2012
Page: 979

G20 Summit

(Question No. 1508)

Senator Humphries asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 16 January 2012:

With reference to a text message sent by the Member for Fraser:

(1)   Did the Prime Minister receive a text message from the Member for Fraser in November 2011 lobbying Canberra to host the G20 Summit; if so, did the Prime Minister respond and did the response indicate support or otherwise for the proposal.

(2)   Is it standard practice for members of parliament to make representations to the Prime Minister by text message.

Senator Chris Evans: The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Member for Fraser is a strong advocate for his electorate and the Australian Capital Territory, including in relation to host city arrangements for the G20 meeting in 2014. The disclosure of specific communications between members and senators and the Prime Minister in the answer to a question on notice could tend to diminish the capacity of members and senators to properly discharge their parliamentary duties. As indicated in the Prime Minister's media statement issued on 4 November 2011, "Australia to host G20 in 2014", a decision on G20 host city arrangements will be made in due course.

(2) Members and senators communicate with the Prime Minister using a variety of means.