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An investigation has found no first-hand evidence Prime Minister Scott Morrison s media team gave negative briefings to journalists against the partner of Brittany Higgins, finding such claims would only be based on hearsay .
Mr Morrison tabled the findings of the internal inquiry conducted by his chief of staff John Kunkel on Tuesday, following scrutiny from Labor senators over the government’s response to the allegations in Senate estimates. My chief of staff found in the negative, Mr Morrison said.
But the report’s language is less decisive, with Mr Kunkel stating he is not in a position to make a finding that the alleged activity took place based on the evidence before him.
Labor Senator Penny Wong has accused Scott Morrison and his government of a cover-up in a fiery Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday.
During the meeting ministers were told an enquiry into when the Prime Minister and his staff became aware of the rape allegations put forward by Brittany Higgins, who says she was sexually assaulted inside a Parliament House office in March 2019.
Senators were told by Finance Minister Simon Birmingham and Prime Minister Secretary Phil Gaetjens the enquiry may never be made public, resulting in an explosive response from Senator Wong. It s been undertaken because the Prime Minister refuses to answer a question in Parliament, she responded angrily to Minister Birmingham.
China is a dictatorship openly threatening war : Bolt19/05/2021|8min
Sky News host Andrew Bolt says Scott Morrison is treating China like the threat it is – a dictatorship openly threatening war .
The remarks come after Labor Senator Penny Wong criticised the Morrison government’s rhetoric on China saying Mr Morrison was only seeking “political value”.
“Attacking Morrison for treating China like the threat it is. A dictatorship openly threatening war,” Mr Bolt said.
“Is Labor really suggesting that we shouldn t now be making common cause with other democracies also alarmed by China to protect ourselves?
“Or should we just kowtow instead – button our lips for fear of the great dictatorship.
 Federal Labor MP Terri Buttler, federal Labor Senators Jenny McAllister and Murray Watt as well as state Labor MPs Kim Richards, Don Brown and Shane King attended the event. After the rally, Senator Wong told reporters that Mr Morrison would be showing weakness if he accepted Dr Laming s vote as a member of the government. I think Scott Morrison is refusing to act out of politics. I think Scott Morrison is refusing to act because he needs Mr Laming s vote, she claimed. Penny Wong at the Andrew Laming protest. Picture: Annette Dew The government currently holds a majority in parliament by one vote.