Joint media release
Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
Shadow Special Minister of State, Shadow Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Shadow Minister for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Senator the Hon James McGrath
Communications Minister Anika Wells has misrepresented to Parliament the nature of her so called “sideline meeting” with South Australian Labor minister Chris Picton, refusing to substantiate her claim to the independent expenses watchdog this was an official ministerial meeting.
Today during Question Time, Minister Wells was asked: Does the Minister stand by her declaration to the independent inquiry into her travel that on the evening of Saturday the 7th of June last year she held an official ministerial meeting with South Australian Labor Minister Chris Picton at Mrs Picton’s 40th birthday party which was held at a live music venue?
She answered: “Yes. I stand by everything that I have said to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA)… I also note Minister Picton has confirmed that series of events in a series of media outlets.”
This is not the case.
Mr Picton told The Advertiser last night he would “take every opportunity to meet with federal ministers and advocate for SA – including on this occasion with Minister Wells last year”. The newspaper in fact reported Mr Picton’s meeting comprised an “informal chat” with Anika Wells at his wife’s birthday party.
This is far cry from confirming he held an official ministerial meeting which justified Anika Wells’ claim to IPEA that her parliamentary business concluded at 7.45pm.
Pointedly, Anika Wells also declined to answer whether any ministerial staff or departmental officials were present at the meeting, and whether any notes were taken.
This whole episode stinks to high heaven. Minister Picton has gone to ground, giving vague quotes to The Advertiser after earlier declining to corroborate Anika Wells’ story.
Australians do not deserve smoke and mirrors from a Cabinet Minister who only days ago was ordered to repay more than $10,000 for breaching travel rules.
The Prime Minister has no choice but to stand down Anika Wells, investigate the truth of her birthday party jaunt and be upfront with the Australian people.