George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement about changes to the ministry and ministerial absences from question time this week.

Leave granted.

For the information of honourable senators, I table the current list of ministers, dated 27 July 2017, including representation of House of Representatives' ministers in the Senate. I can advise the Senate that Senator Scullion will be absent from question time today due to interstate ministerial commitments. In Senator Scullion's absence, I will represent the Minister for Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. I can also advise the Senate that Senator Ryan will be absent from question time for the duration of August and September on medical leave. In Senator Ryan's absence, Senator Cormann will be the acting Special Minister of State, Senator Fifield will represent the Minister for Social Services, and Senator Payne will represent the Minister for Human Services. Finally, I advise the Senate that Senator Fierravanti-Wells will be absent from question time today and tomorrow due to overseas ministerial commitments. In Senator Fierravanti-Wells' absence, Senator Sinodinos will represent the Minister for International Development and the Pacific.