Senator CASH (Western Australia—Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Employment and Minister for Women) (14:12): I have to say, seriously, I don't even know if I should dignify that with an answer. Because when you talk about serious behaviour, serious behaviour is what we saw today—a fine in excess of $2.4 million handed down against the CFMEU— The PRESIDENT: Senator Carr, a point of order? Senator Kim Carr: This is a serious question, and it goes to the question of a Commonwealth officer breaching the law. The minister has said that this was a question that did not deserve an answer. There is a question of relevance that I draw to your attention. It's a specific question, and the minister ought answer it directly. The PRESIDENT: I will remind the minister of the question. Senator CASH: Thank you, Mr President, and, as I have said, Mr Hadgkiss today did tender his resignation today to the government as head of the Australian Building and Construction Commission, and the government accepted that resignation. But in relation to the conduct of those on the other side, and those that they support, let me remind you— The PRESIDENT: A point of order, Senator Cameron? Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: On my right—just a moment, Senator Cameron Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Macdonald, and senators on my left as well. Order! Senator Cameron: It's on direct relevance. My question was simple. It was only one question: why did the minister allow him to resign instead of just sacking him? The PRESIDENT: The minister did answer by indicating that the government did accept the resignation and announced the resignation. I feel as though the minister has been directly relevant to the question by the way she has answered the question in the first instance. I know it's not as specific as you would like, Senator Cameron, but I think she has been directly relevant to the answer. Minister, had you concluded your answer? Senator CASH: I will not stand here and be lectured by those on the other side who stand up and defend criminal behaviour across unions, and in particular the CFMEU. I will not stand here and be lectured by those on the other side who take tens of millions of dollars from a criminal organisation. I will not stand here and be lectured by those on the other side— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Cameron, on a point of order? Senator Cameron: Yes, Mr President—again on relevance. This was a very serious question about a commissioner appointed by this minister having to resign because of illegal activity. I'm asking why the minister did not sack this individual, and she should answer it. A government senator interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my right! Senator Cameron, in relation to the point of order, you did ask: why did the minister accept the resignation rather than sack? The minister indicated that she did accept the resignation or the government had accepted the resignation. The minister has been directly relevant to the question. The minister has heard your points of order on two occasions, Senator Cameron. The minister has 50 seconds left and I invite the minister to continue her answer. Senator CASH: Deny, distract and then defend. Let's go through, again, a number of those who are well known to those on the other side and the behaviour they have indulged in. Shaun Reardon, the CFMEU's Victorian assistant state secretary, has already been fined $50,000. He was actually a White Ribbon ambassador until he was dumped by White Ribbon for his disgusting behaviour when it comes to violence against women. That is who those on the other side defend. Gareth Stephenson, another CFMEU organiser, has been fined $118,000. Ralph Edwards, the Victorian branch president, has already been fined $53,250 and, of course, then there's Duncan McAllister, with 101 alleged breaches, including coercion and threats. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron, a supplementary question.