Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—For the information of senators, the following additional representable roles are added to the government senators' duties in the Senate. I advise the Senate that I am the new Leader of the Government in the Senate and the Minister representing the Prime Minister, and will also take questions on Public Service integrity and on social inclusion. Senator the Hon. Bob Carr will take questions on sustainability, environment, water, population and communities, the Attorney-General's portfolio, emergency management and justice. Senator the Hon. Kate Lundy will take questions on broadband, communications and the digital economy, infrastructure, transport and road safety. Senator the Hon. Don Farrell will take questions on agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and resources and energy. Senator the Hon. Jan McLucas will take questions on regional development and local government, and on mental health reform. Senator the Hon. Jacinta Collins is the new Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and will remain in her position as Manager of Government Business in the Senate. Senator the Hon. Kate Lundy will act in the Manager of Government Business role for the sitting tomorrow. I have written to leaders of the parties in the Senate of these changes.

I also want to take, if the Senate will forgive me, just a short period to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, Senator Stephen Conroy. Senator Conroy is a man of great Labor heart, and he has made, and will continue to make, a great contribution in this place. I regret that our work together as a leadership team was as short as it was and thank him for his service as Leader of the Government in the Senate.