Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I rise on a point of order. The standing orders make it clear that questions may be put to ministers relating to public affairs. In fact, Odgers says this—

Government senators interjecting—

They are a bit uncomfortable over there. I think I might have hit a raw nerve. I have noticed in my political career that the louder they get, the more uncomfortable they are. Odgers says:

Questions may be put to a minister relating to the public affairs with which the minister is officially connected, to proceedings pending in Parliament, or to any matter of administration for which the minister is responsible in a personal or representative capacity.