Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On the point of order: we now have the ludicrous situation where those opposite seek to ask the question and then, in asking the question, direct the minister how to answer. ‘Answer yes or no.’ That is clearly an abuse of question time, even under the absurd new regulations bequeathed to us by Senator Ferguson and his supporters. When asking their questions the opposition cannot direct ministers how to answer the questions. So I put to you, Mr President, that your arguments and your rulings have been completely correct and should continue in that vein.