Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:16): As the honourable senator would know, this is a matter that has been provided to us as a proposal from the Harper review. The government is going through the Harper review and its proposals and giving consideration to the many suggestions therein. We are consulting widely and we will be in a position in due course to announce what our final decision is. Having said that, I am reminded of Senator O'Neill's former leader, Mr Beazley, who quite some time ago acknowledged that the Labor Party never pretended to be a friend of small business. We on this side are and that is why we are looking— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. Point of order, Senator O'Neill. Senator O'Neill: The question was a very simple one, and the answer needs to go the effects test and the government's position with regard to an inclusion of an effects test in Australian competition law. The PRESIDENT: The minister did address the question by saying it is under consideration. Senator Wong interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I am not going to enter into a debate about this. Senator Wong, on the point of order. Senator Wong: Just because the minister references it once does not then make a subsequent discussion about a former Labor leader directly relevant to the question. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on both sides, on my right and on my left. As I have said on numerous occasions, as have many predecessors, once a minister has answered the question a minister can enhance their answer if they wish to enhance their answer. Senator Wong interjecting— The PRESIDENT: It has always been the case. Senator Wong, I have ruled on the point of order. Order on my right. Senator Wong: Mr President, perhaps subsequent to question time it could be clarified with the chamber whether the scope of your ruling is that a minister can say anything she or he likes on any topic if they address the question in the first sentence, because if that is the ruling I would like some clarification. Thank you. Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my right. Thank you, Senator Wong, I will take your comments into account and I will consider those comments. But, in general principle, providing the minister does not stray too far from the original question, the enhancement has always been allowed. Minister, you have the call. You have one minute— Senator ABETZ: I have finished my answer.