The failure of Arts Minister Virginia Judge to answer basic questions at this morning’s Estimates hearing has raised serious doubts about her competence and integrity, Shadow Minister for Arts Anthony Roberts said today.

“Ms Judge needs to answer the following questions or clouds will continue to hang over her integrity:

• What is the status of her relationship with Mr Kosta Nikas?
• Did she ever discuss Mr Nikas or his work with the Attorney-General?
• Did she ever discuss Mr Nikas or his work with the Premier?
• Was she truthful when she told Parliament that at all times as a Minister she acted in accordance with Ministerial Guidelines?
• Has Ms Judge made a declaration of her relationship with Mr Nikas on the Conflict of Interest Register?
• If not, why not?
• Does she agree with Mr O’Reilly’s assessment that a declaration should have been made?
• And will you make a declaration now given Mr O’Reilly thinks you should?
• How did Ms Judge come to receive an upgrade on a trip to the Middle East with the Kazal family?

“Ms Judge refused to answer these fundamental questions during the Estimates hearings today,” Mr Roberts said.

“Ms Judge was an embarrassment at this morning’s hearing raising doubts over her competence and integrity.

“She treated the Committee with contempt and showed Kristina Keneally is not serious when she talks about openness and honesty.

“If Ms Keneally had any backbone or authority within her Labor Government, she’d direct Ms Judge to answer these questions today,” Mr Roberts said.