Senator CASH (Western Australia—Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:35): Again, I could continue with the list of former Labor members. But we on this side of the chamber have appointed, whether it be to the AAT et cetera or the Fair Work Commission or as ambassador for Ireland— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Cash. I have Senator Keneally on a point of order. Senator Keneally: On relevance: the question was specifically about Ms Matheson's views on domestic violence and whether or not the minister supported them and that was why she appointed her. The PRESIDENT: I believe the minister just said that she was turning to something. I will listen carefully to the answer. The minister can speak about any aspect of this appointment, in my view, and be directly relevant. Senator Cash. Senator CASH: Those on the other side don't understand that the employment relationship includes both employers and employees, and that is why you need to ensure that employers are represented on the Fair Work Commission, as well as employees. In relation to Alana Matheson, she is qualified for this role. The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, on a point of order? Senator Wong: Mr President, I possibly should have jumped when you gave as wide a ruling as you did in response to my colleague, where you said, 'I think that anything related to the appointment is relevant to the supplementary.' With respect, I ask you to reconsider that. I don't believe that's consistent with the standing orders nor your previous rulings. This question relates to Ms Matheson's views on domestic violence leave, and I ask that the minister respond and be directly relevant to that point. The PRESIDENT: I take the point, Senator Wong. I could have worded what I said more carefully. However, I will say that the final part of the question, my notes reflect, is: 'Was this position one of the reasons that referred to the appointment?' I think, in answering that question, the minister is allowed to talk about the specific appointment without necessarily specifically outlining a particular issue. That may be debated after question time. Senator Cash. Senator CASH: In terms of Ms Matheson, she is well and truly appointed on merit. She has 15 years experience in workplace relations, including recent roles as director of workplace relations advisory at KPMG Australia, and deputy director of workplace relations at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has also played a prominent role on the international stage, at the International Labour Organization— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Keneally, a final supplementary question?