Question Time

Member for Waite

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (17:08): My question is to you, sir. Why does the Speaker have to approve the witnesses who will be interviewed by the private investigator?

The SPEAKER (17:08): Now this is definitely a question that goes to the investigation, so I am going to refer to my earlier statement where I said I am not going to be commenting further publicly regarding the investigation, as it is live and I do not wish to prejudice the investigation. There seems to be many out there who are quite happy to firstly criticise the process then, when some kind of investigation has been established, they want to criticise that. It's not helpful.

Mr Malinauskas: Well—

The SPEAKER: No, listen to me. Don't talk over me. I have made a real attempt. I have pointed out that I didn't have to do anything. I have gone above and beyond within my powers and I have no further comment. Leader, do you have another question?