Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Hansard source

Order! Everyone in the chamber: it will be a very long question time if it is this noisy. On the point of order, Senator Wong, if questions of such a broad nature relating to the government are asked, it is entirely within order for a minister to address—

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—

Senator Macdonald! Can senators please not yell while I'm ruling on the point of order.

Senator Wong interjecting—

Senator Wong! Senator Wong, I'm ruling on the point of order.

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—

Senator Macdonald, I was calling another senator to order. I would appreciate not being yelled at. If a minister is asked a question like that, it is entirely in order for them to address their portfolio, because it relates to the government and the portfolio that they are appointed to by the Prime Minister. Senator Fierravanti-Wells to continue the answer.