Senator SCULLION (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Leader of The Nationals in the Senate) (14:51): The exact nature of the timing of that meeting I'm quite sure someone listening will provide me with. I understood that it was earlier in the week that the minister made a statement of a similar ilk. I didn't realise it was to Four Corners—I'd read his comments about he'd much rather invest much of these funds that potentially could be for a royal commission into the sector. I think we'd all acknowledge that since then he's made another statement, but I think certainly most Australians would acknowledge that— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator SCULLION: Well, because there are some things that have come to light since then. The gigglers from the other side: it's a very serious matter. Some additional information has to come light that has shown— Senator Kim Carr: Were you aware the Prime Minister had changed his mind? You read a poll. The PRESIDENT: Order on my left! Senator Carr. Senator SCULLION: There is, quite clearly, some information that has come to light on the Four Corners report. There is some additional information that the minister has been looking at. He now has indicated in a statement, particularly after looking at the terms of reference, that he would support a royal commission. The reason he will support a royal commission is that, wherever we have our senior Australians, , whose care is not the best care we can offer, where the quality of that care is not the best care that we can provide— Senator Polley: A point of order on relevance—the question was: when was the minister advised of the change in the government's policy? The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Polley. Senator Scullion, Senator Polley has reminded you of the specific nature of the question. Senator Scullion, you have 37 seconds remaining. Senator SCULLION: On the point of order, Mr President—my indication was that she asked me whether or not the minister knew before or after the Four Corners report. I said I didn't know, and I said I will get back to you on notice. I was then proceeding with the remainder of the question, Mr President. The PRESIDENT: You are allowed to add information as long as the other information added is directly relevant to the question. The senator reminded you of that. You have 37 seconds remaining. Senator Scullion. Senator SCULLION: Thank you very much. It is absolutely essential that we are able to ensure the quality and safety of our most treasured Australians. And so a royal commission will be able to outline a confidence for families, with relatives and with friends that we'll throw a light on it in so much as parliament—not government, but parliament—can provide those matters. And, can I say, it was pretty interesting about people being confused about their position. The quote 'I don't know if one is needed' on Tuesday was in fact from Bill Shorten. The PRESIDENT: Senator Polley, a supplementary question.