Senator McKIM (Tasmania) (14:33): My question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Abetz. Senator, can you confirm that, under the constitution of the Tasmanian division of the Liberal Party of Australia, you were a member of the division's executive committee at the time that the then state director, Mr Damien Mantach, fraudulently misused his Liberal Party credit card, for which he was effectively sacked? When this issue became public a few weeks ago, why did you mislead the Australian people by claiming that the issue was one for the Tasmanian Liberal Party organisation, when in fact you were a part of that organisation by virtue of your membership of the executive committee? Exactly what were you trying to hide? Finally, you have admitted that you were briefed at the time—I note that he is a bit uncomfortable over there, Mr President— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my right and my left! Before I call the minister to respond, Senator McKim, most of that question is not in order because it does not necessarily relate to policy portfolio positions or the minister's representative responsibilities. However, I will invite the minister to answer any portion of that question that he wishes to answer. Senator McKim: Mr President, I rise on a point of order. The standing orders make it clear that questions may be put to ministers relating to public affairs. In fact, Odgers says this— Government senators interjecting— Senator McKim: They are a bit uncomfortable over there. I think I might have hit a raw nerve. I have noticed in my political career that the louder they get, the more uncomfortable they are. Odgers says: Questions may be put to a minister relating to the public affairs with which the minister is officially connected, to proceedings pending in Parliament, or to any matter of administration for which the minister is responsible in a personal or representative capacity. The PRESIDENT: Senator McKim, that 'personal or representative capacity' means personally as a minister or representing another minister. I stand by my original ruling that that question is not in order. However, I will invite the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Abetz, to answer any portion of that question if he chooses to do so.