Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

Ministers are allocated two minutes to answer the primary question. The minister has been going for 25 seconds. I am listening to the minister's answer. I believe it's within scope, but I note the minister has more than 1½ minutes remaining to answer the question. I would ask senators to also—props are inappropriate. I would ask senators to also allow ministers—

Senator Sterle interjecting—

Bits of paper with numbers drawn on them held up are props, yes. I wasn't asking them to talk to the hand! I will ask senators to keep in mind Senator Macdonald's request, because I am certain that, if he cannot hear her sitting a seat away, the other end of the chamber will not be able to either.