Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Temporary Chairman, I seek a ruling from you. We have all participated in these debates before and I have never seen a minister behave like this one. I would like a ruling from you, Chair. If a minister refuses to answer a legitimate question put by a senator from any part of this chamber, the senator is entitled to put a different question. We cannot compel the minister to put information into the public domain—it is his choice—but it is the case I believe—and I am seeking your ruling, Chair—that senators are entitled to put other questions to the minister and he can choose to answer them or not.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Senator Wright, if you or Senator Ludlam have a number of questions, you will have 15 minutes to speak. You should outline those questions in the time allocated to you rather than perhaps asking them one by one. You will not be allowed to speak twice in a row. Senator Wright, after you ask one question, Senator Ludlam can ask another question but you will not be allowed to ask two questions in a row.