
Tony Abbott maintains silence on Brough ‘plotting’ claims
OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott has remained silent on Clive Palmer's explosive allegation that Mal Brough asked him to fund the destruction of Peter Slipper.
Mr Brough denied the allegation, which prompted Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call on Mr Brough - the LNP's candidate for Fisher - to fully detail his association with James Ashby's sexual harassment case against sitting Fisher MP Slipper.
The Daily asked Mr Abbott several questions, including whether he had sought a briefing with Mr Brough and other senior Liberals relating to Mr Brough's actions in the Ashby matter and his April 2012 meeting with Palmer at his Coolum resort.
Mr Abbott was also asked if he stood by his December 2012 comment that he was confident that Mr Brough had "acted rightly at all times". We received no response from Mr Abbott.
While Mr Palmer claimed Brough approached him with a plan to "destroy" Slipper, he denied Mr Slipper's claim that LNP heavyweight Joe Hockey was involved in the affair.
The colourful mining magnet said he met with Mr Brough at the Palmer Coolum Resort, where Mr Brough detailed the case against Mr Slipper.
Mr Brough confirmed the meeting took place and said shadow treasurer Mr Hockey was also present.
At the time of the gathering, Mr Palmer was an LNP member, but he had a public falling out with the party and established the Palmer United Party.
"Mal Brough said to me that we needed to destroy Peter Slipper," Mr Palmer said.
Mr Brough labelled the allegation "ridiculous".
Ashbygate: What the Federal Court judge said happened
The James Ashby affair: What Mal Brough says unfolded
Reader poll
Will Mal Brough's involvement in Ashby affair affect your vote?
This poll ended on 28 August 2013.
Current Results
Yes. It goes to the heart of honesty, integrity
56%
No. There are more important issues like jobs
9%
No. I don't think Mal Brough did anything wrong
8%
Yes. I think this sort of politics is disgusting
26%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.