Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I have just been watching and listening to Senator Day, Senator Wang and Senator Lambie asking a very simple and straightforward question, and you have answered a different question every single time you have got to your feet. You may seek advice—there are plenty of times when ministers seek advice from their officials—but please answer the question. Under the provision that Senator Wong, Senator Day and Senator Lambie have quoted, based on the advice from the Electoral Commissioner—when I was there as well, he made it very clear—it would not be an offence to, as Senator Lambie says, advocate putting a 1 in a box.

An honourable senator: So why are you asking the question?

Because we are asking the minister whether or not this other provision catches the party or individual who wants to just put a 1. So do not read the script for a question that you have not been asked. Please seek some advice and answer the question about whether or not you are captured by this other provision in the act. It is a pretty straightforward question: will this other provision capture a just-1-in-the-box vote? You do not know and still cannot tell—

An honourable senator: They are struggling a bit, aren't they.

You actually do not know. That is just embarrassing. You are the minister, and you do not know and will not seek advice.