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

Mr President, I rise on a point of order. As I explained to Senator Brandis yesterday, he seeks to ask questions that, quite frankly, are completely irrelevant to the minister's portfolio. The minister at least tries to provide some response, and he then seeks to take a point of order. The question was out of order. We did not object on the basis that Senator Arbib was quite happy to give as good as he got; but, quite frankly, when the question is out of order, is not related to his portfolio and is so wide ranging, it is pretty hard to see how the minister can respond in any other way than be wide ranging in response.