Ms O’CONNOR – Thank you, Chair. Premier, is it government policy to pay the private legal fees of backbenchers should it be related to their work in some way or another?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Well, it would depend on the circumstances.
Ms O’CONNOR – So that is a yes depending on the circumstances.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Well, I have gone through a list of these matters.
Ms O’CONNOR – Only relating to ministers.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I have gone through these matters, Ms O’Connor. I will seek some advice around clarity on policy for you.
Ms O’CONNOR – But I think you understand the policy, because you said it would be something that would be looked at depending on the circumstances. Which sounds like the policy is depending on the circumstances, the government will pay for private legal counsel for backbenchers.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I am not going to answer questions in the hypothetical.
Ms O’CONNOR – No, it is a matter of policy I’m asking you about. I am not asking you a hypothetical, I am asking you about the policy in relation to paying private legal fees for backbenchers.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Yes. Well, I believe I have put all of these matters on record.
Ms O’CONNOR – So it is government policy, on a case by case basis, to fund private legal counsel for government backbenchers.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Well, I will seek advice on the exact policy criteria.
CHAIR – And come back to the Committee.
Ms O’CONNOR – Today?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Well, when I get the information. Thank you.
Ms O’CONNOR – Well, could I please put that on notice, then, to make sure we get an answer?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Yes.
