Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

On the point of order, Senator Wong is being incredibly disingenuous here, because there is a significant difference between a minister representing a minister in the other place, in relation to the sort of question that was asked, and a minister who is a portfolio minister in this chamber, who of course can directly answer in relation to conduct that is in their direct personal knowledge. I don't think it is appropriate or reasonable or that it can be expected for a minister representing a minister in the other place to answer on their behalf in relation to matters that do not relate to public administration, do not relate to public statements and are only in the personal knowledge of an individual concerned. There is no way that Senator McKenzie could possibly provide an answer in relation to that question based on the knowledge that she can reasonably be expected to hold herself.