George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I know this is a little unusual, but I've now been provided with a script for the ministerial arrangements. I apologise to the Senate that I didn't have it to hand when we commenced at 2 pm. I seek leave to read the statement.

Leave granted.

I thank the Senate. I advise the Senate that Senator Ryan will remain absent from question time for the duration of the September sittings on medical leave. In Senator Ryan's absence, Senator Cormann will continue to represent the Special Minister of State, Senator Fifield will represent the Minister for Social Services and Senator Payne will represent the Minister for Human Services. Senator Payne will be absent from question time on Wednesday, 6 September and Thursday, 7 September. In Senator Payne's absence, I will represent the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Defence Industry, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Minister for Defence Personnel and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac. Senator Cash will represent the Minister for Human Services in Senator Payne's absence. Senator Fierravanti-Wells will also be absent from question time this week on overseas ministerial business. In Senator Fierravanti-Wells's absence, Senator Sinodinos will represent the Minister for International Development and the Pacific on Monday, 4 September, Wednesday, 6 September and Thursday, 7 September. Senator Sinodinos will be absent from question time on Tuesday, 5 September.

Senator Wong interjecting—

Don't worry, Senator Wong, I'll be here all week! In Senator Sinodinos's absence, Senator Birmingham will represent the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. I thank the Senate.