Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—On 24 January this year, the Prime Minister announced a number of changes to the ministry following the resignations of the Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon. Warren Entsch MP. The swearing-in of the new ministry took place on 27 January 2006. For the information of honourable senators, I table an updated list of the full ministry with some minor changes to the Senate representation to that published in the list dated 30 January 2006.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I congratulate Senator Minchin on his appointment as Leader of the Government in the Senate, and I also congratulate Senator Coonan on her appointment as deputy Senate leader. I note that they are appointments, not elections, that it is a mandate from heaven rather than from their colleagues, as is more traditionally the process, and certainly the one that applies in the ALP. I also congratulate Senator Santoro on his appointment to the ministry, and note that I will try and get his name right in future.

Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I would like to announce that Senator Scullion has been appointed our whip.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could I ask whether Senator Scullion is a financial member of the National Party, and whether they are then able to do that?

Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think that is something you should ask the senator.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I hope this is not going to be the precedent for 2006. Come to order.