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

I advise the Senate that Senator Birmingham will be absent from question time today. In Senator Birmingham's absence, Senator Payne will represent the Minister for Education and Training, and Senator Canavan will represent the Minister for the Environment and Energy.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I apologise; I was a little late to the chamber. Was there a reason given for the absences, because in the letter to me there wasn't? I just want to make sure the chamber has been advised.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I couldn't quite hear all of Senator Brandis's statement myself. There were some interjections. Senator Brandis, do you have anything to add?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm not going to inquire, but usually it's courtesy to say whether it's personal reasons or ministerial reasons.

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

Yes, I'm advised it's personal.