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

by leave—I table for the information of the Senate a revised ministry list reflecting the changes announced by the Prime Minister on 26 February 2010. I also formally advise the chamber—I have written to the party leaders already advising them—that Senator Joseph Ludwig, the Special Minister of State, will be absent from Senate question time today. Senator Ludwig is in Queensland visiting flood affected areas. Senator Ludwig’s ministerial and representational responsibilities will be undertaken in the following manner: John Faulkner will answer questions relating to Senator Ludwig’s role as Manager of Government Business and Special Minister of State, I will take questions relating to the Health and Ageing portfolio, Senator Kim Carr will take questions relating to Human Services, and Senator Conroy will fill in in terms of points of order.

Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I inform the Senate that the Leader of the National Party in the Senate and shadow minister for finance will also be absent from question time today. As many of you know, he is a resident of St George and he is helping his community of St George deal with these quite extraordinary floods that are affecting his region.