Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Minister for Families and Social Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:03): I thank Senator Farrell for his follow-up question. I agree entirely with the comments that the Treasurer made in relation to older Australians, particularly our age pensioners doing it tough at the moment. Cost-of-living pressures, financial pressures on older Australians, particularly those on pensions— The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, on a point of order? Senator Farrell: My question wasn't whether the minister agreed with the Treasurer. My question was: has the Treasurer spoken to her about her comments? The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, the minister's been speaking for 15 seconds. I might also say that the minister can be directly relevant to the question by directly addressing part of the question, as she is doing in this case. Senator RUSTON: In relation to older Australians, and, particularly, aged pensioners: I will reiterate again and again and again that I understand that older Australians are doing it tough and aged pensioners are doing it tough. But Australia has a very comprehensive social welfare system. One part of that is the aged pension. The sustainability of our social security system is absolutely essential. But I do not move away from the comments— The PRESIDENT: Order. Senator Farrell on a point of order. Senator Farrell: You were very generous to the minister, but my question was a simple one. Has the Treasurer, or any other member of the government, spoken to the minister about her comments? The PRESIDENT: You've restated part of the question, Senator Farrell, and I reiterate that a minister can be directly relevant to a question by being directly relevant to part of it. I believe the minister is being directly relevant. Senator RUSTON: Thank you very much, Mr President. I will say it again: I accept the fact that older Australians, particularly, aged pensioners, are doing it tough. The Morrison government has quite clearly made it a priority to look after older Australians, and our track record stands for itself. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, a final supplementary question.