Senator PAYNE (New South Wales—Minister for Defence) (14:24): Mr President, I fail to see how that relates to the portfolio responsibilities of either the Minister for Defence or the Minister for Defence Industry, but I would assure the Senate that the Minister for Defence Industry is always correct in his observations. The PRESIDENT: I was going to remind senators that ministers, including those in a representational capacity, can be asked about the public statements of those they represent, but I also note Senator Payne didn't raise a point of order. I'm just making that observation, given debate in the chamber. Senator Wong. Senator Wong: Just to be clear, because I'm not sure— Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Wong, your point of order. Senator Wong: It's not all about me. No, it's not, actually, Senator Macdonald. The PRESIDENT: Order! I would like to hear Senator Wong's point of order. Senator Wong: Mr President, as I understand your ruling, we can ask Senator Payne questions about public statements that Mr Pyne has made. The PRESIDENT: The point I was making in reminding the Senate of that, Senator Wong, was that the minister was addressing the question. I was making an observation. No-one challenged that the question was out of order. I was reminding the Senate of what is in order. But the minister may answer in the way they consider appropriate.