Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I think Senator Ryan must have been out of the room when Senator Abetz asked me the same question at the start of question time. I took on notice the question about when each of the ministers was advised. I referred Senator Abetz to the Hansard of the House of Representatives, where both Mr Garrett and the Prime Minister have answered similar questions. As I pointed out, at this very moment they are both in the House of Representatives and able to be questioned by the Liberal Party about such matters.

I took on notice from Senator Abetz the question that he asked. As I said, I think it is probably easiest if he just looks up the Hansard for the House of Representatives, but because I am an accommodating chap I have undertaken to get him an answer to that question. Senator, I suggest you actually listen to your colleagues’ questions or do not just accept what they hand you and repeat the first question. As I indicated before, those questions have been asked in the House of Representatives and answered. I have taken on notice the details you have sought, but I think you have wasted another question since that question was taken on notice by me in response to Senator Abetz’s question a mere 10 minutes ago.