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

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted.

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

I thank the Senate. I note, given today's announcement, that today is Senator Cormann's last question time. I know that we will have the opportunity tomorrow to say nice or not nice things about him, should we wish! But I did want to take the opportunity on his last question time to make a comment about ministerial accountability.

Ministerial accountability to the people through the parliament is central and fundamental to our democracy, and question time is central to that accountability. Whilst I would say that at times I thought he could have given better answers, Senator Cormann does understand: he understands that belief in democracy demands respect of norms and institutions, and he has sought to reflect that in his behaviour. My hope is that more in the executive government could always do the same.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Wong for those kind remarks and I look forward to a more extensive conversation tomorrow.