If you thought Minister Jane Howlett’s unenviable conflict of interest record was bad – today it got even murkier with an absolute howler of a performance in Question Time.

Despite being given multiple opportunities to do so, Minister Howlett was unable to answer a very simple question – did she declare any conflicts of interest in relation to the recent small business grants program or not?

Recipients of the grants included a former President of the Young Liberals the Minister Howlett thanked in her inaugural speech in Parliament. He is clearly one her closest political supporters and assisted with her election campaign. Another grant went to a former State Director of the Liberal Party.

Nobody is arguing with the fact that members of the public are entitled to apply and receive funding. The issue here is whether the Minister declared a very real and present conflict of interest.

Jane Howlett was the Minister when money was awarded to successful recipients. The fact she can’t say whether she declared any conflict of interest says everything you need to know.

Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Attorney General
Shadow Minister for Equality