QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE › Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education
Senator WONG (South Australia—Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (14:55): Can the minister explain why the advice she apparently received from her senior media adviser, and acted upon, has now been contradicted by that person in evidence given under oath in the Federal Court? The PRESIDENT: Senator Cormann on a point of order. Senator Cormann: Senator Wong is now asking the minister to put herself inside the mind of another person that is not the minister. I don't know that it is in order for the minister to be asked to speculate on what motivated a witness in a court proceeding— Senator Wong: That's not what I asked— Senator Cormann: That is precisely what you asked— The PRESIDENT: On the point of order, Senator Wong? Senator Wong: On the point of order: Mr President, that is not what I asked. I asked why we have a statement from the minister and evidence in the Federal Court that are not consistent. I am offering the minister the opportunity to explain to the Senate why these two pieces of evidence are inconsistent. The PRESIDENT: I do not believe the question is out of order. It is a question the minister is free to address in the manner that she sees fit.