Senator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia—Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:08): I'm aware that Ms Banks has made a number of media comments. I haven't seen that particular media comment. But in relation to the consequences of crossing the floor, I'm well aware of the difference between the consequences of crossing the floor on this side—the Liberal and National parties— The PRESIDENT: Minister, resume your seat. Senator Keneally on a point of order? S enator Keneally: The point of order is direct relevance. The question was not about crossing the floor; it was about the meeting that occurred. There is no way this could be directly relevant to the question that was asked. The PRESIDENT: Minister, I will bring you back to the question that was asked. But you have the call. I cannot direct a minister on how to answer a question. Senator BIRMINGHAM: Senator Keneally's question indeed did contain references to quotes about the consequences of crossing the floor. The point I was making in relation to the consequences of crossing the floor is that on our side of the chamber, the Liberal and National parties, members and senators have a right to cross the floor. Yes, you would expect and anticipate that party leaders would wish to discuss that with Liberal or National MPs. But, for those opposite, there is no such right. The only consequence there is that their party tosses them out if they cross the floor. That is a fundamental difference, and it's a difference of which we are all very proud, on this side.