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

My question is to the Minister representing the Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Reynolds. The Leader of the House advised the House at question time that Mr Joyce would be absent from question time, as he is a close contact. Minutes later the Deputy Prime Minister showed up. Can the minister advise why?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Wong for that question. I would point out that since that's been happening I have actually been here in the chamber in question time myself, so I will have to take that question on notice and get back to you.

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

Senator Wong, a supplementary question?

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

Can the Minister representing the Deputy Prime Minister advise whether the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia is a close contact or not?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, my previous answer stands: we will have to get advice on that and advise you back.

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

Senator Wong, a final supplementary question.

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

In a week of chaos from this coalition government, we've had the Nationals under Deputy Prime Minister Joyce attempt to tear up the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the National Party talking points saying the science no longer supports fresh water for South Australia, and now we have confusion about who represents the Prime Minister in the House during question time. All the while, three capital cities are facing COVID-19 outbreaks and facing restrictions or lockdowns, there is a complete rewrite of the vaccine rollout and there is no plan for fit-for-purpose quarantine. What confidence can Australians have in this chaotic government? (Time expired)

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I take most of that as, largely, a political statement from Senator Wong. I can tell you there is no chaos or confusion on this side of the chamber. You have a look. We have been focusing on the health of Australians, on the economy, on jobs, on education and on disability. There is no confusion on this side about what is important for this nation. As I've said, it is all about the economy. It is about protecting Australians and keeping them safe and healthy.

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement in relation to Senator Wong's primary question.

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

Leave is not granted.