Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—First, I extend congratulations to Senator McCarthy and Senator McAllister on their appointments to the ministry and to cabinet in your case, Senator McCarthy. It is a great honour for both of you, and we are pleased to recognise that the Senate is being better recognised in the Albanese ministry after the Scullin-government-equalling low of Senate representation in the ministry that had been achieved in the first ministry. We do wish you, Senator Brown, well in particular and acknowledge your service.

I do note the tabling of the revised ministerial arrangements and representational arrangements. I note the document is dated 29 July, yet has only been circulated in the chamber prior to our entering here. Previous ministerial arrangements have been put on the PM&C website with some days notice before the Senate sits. Whether it's disorganisation or discourtesy is only a matter for the government to answer, but it certainly shows a lack of regard for all non-government senators in their preparation for question time.