Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I inform the Senate that Senator Ian Campbell will be absent from question time today and Monday, 19 June to Wednesday, 21 June next week. Senator Campbell will be absent due to his attendance, on behalf of the Australian government, at the 58th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission. I will not say where it is meeting. During Senator Campbell’s absence, Senator Eric Abetz, the very capable Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, has agreed to take questions relating to the portfolios of Defence; Veterans’ Affairs; Transport and Regional Services; Local Government, Territories and Roads; and Environment and Heritage. Thank you, Senator Abetz.

In addition, Senator Chris Ellison will be absent from question time today for significant personal family reasons. During his absence, Senator Vanstone, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, has agreed to take questions relating to justice and customs on behalf of the Attorney-General.