Labor, Greens consider backing Senate probe into Pyne job
Labor and the Greens are considering supporting a Senate inquiry into the former MP’s new job.
Labor and the Greens are considering supporting a Senate inquiry into whether Christopher Pyne breached ministerial standards by taking a job as a defence industry consultant at Ernst & Young.
Opposition Senate leader Penny Wong said Labor could support an inquiry proposed by Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick, increasing chances the former defence minister will be hauled before parliament to explain himself.
MORE: Senator’s push puts heat on Pyne
The inquiry would need the support of Labor the Greens and four out of six crossbenchers.
“We are certainly considering Senator Patrick’s proposition,” Senator Wong told ABC radio this morning.
“But a few points I’d like to make. First, if Mr Pyne is being employed by EY to expand its defence business it certainly does not suggest that he is only using knowledge that the general public has.
“I would suggest it looks like he’s been appointed because of his knowledge and there are clear provisions in the Code against that.
“But I think the first issue is to not allow Mr Morrison to get away with ducking on this. I mean this is his responsibility. They are the Prime Minister’s standards.”
Mr Pyne has denied breaching the code, which prevents former ministers from lobbying government on matters they had ministerial responsibility for, or using information they had access to as minister.
“Of course, I have 26 years of experience of the parliament and politics, experience in the health, ageing, education, industry, innovation and science portfolios, and as leader of the house, that gives me knowledge of government and politics and how it works that is valuable in the post-political world. Having that knowledge does not breach the code,” he said yesterday.
There could be a vote for the proposal on the Senate on Thursday if it is lodged by Senator Patrick before parliament adjourns on Wednesday.
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