Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management) (14:20): Thank you, Senator Scarr, for the question. As Senator Scarr knows, I have the utmost respect for our judiciary and our judicial institutions, and it's not for me to criticise any decisions that they have made. However, what I note— Government senators interjecting— Senator WATT: You right there? What I note is that in the second week of the sittings of this parliament the shadow minister for employment and workplace relations has been ruled out of asking questions about the ABCC or anything to do with it because of her own record in that portfolio— The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash? Senator Cash: My point of order is pretty obvious. It is in relation to relevance. The question that was asked by Senator Scarr was in relation to the imposition of a fine on the CFMMEU, as he has stated, for certain behaviour, including disgusting, homophobic slurs. The PRESIDENT: Yes, you don't need to repeat the question, Senator Cash. Senator Cash: The question is very narrow: will the minister guarantee that by abolishing the ABCC this type of behaviour will not become more prevalent? The PRESIDENT: I have listened carefully to Minister Watt. The question was broadly about decisions of the court, the behaviour of a union and so on and so forth. I do believe that the minister is being relevant, and I will listen carefully to the rest of his answer. Senator WATT: Of course this government thinks that it is unacceptable in any workplace to see thuggish behaviour, to see homophobic slurs, whether that be on a construction worksite or, frankly, in a parliamentary workplace—and maybe people could all reflect on that as well. But the comments made by judges in the particular case that Senator Scarr was referring to are not the only comments that we've heard made by the judiciary about the ABCC. To take one example, Justice North in the Federal Court blasted the ABCC for wasting time and taxpayers' money on prosecuting two CFMMEU officials for 'having a cup of tea with a mate'. Justice North criticised the ABCC, saying this is a 'minuscule, insignificant affair'. Senator Scarr: President, a point of order on relevance: Senator Watt is providing other judicial comments in relation to the ABCC. He's not dealing specifically with my question in relation to whether or not the abolition of the ABCC— The PRESIDENT: Yes, thank you, Senator Scarr. There is no need to repeat the question. Once again, Minister Watt is being relevant. He is talking about the behaviour of a whole range of people, including unions. He's condemned the behaviour, and I would ask him to continue. Senator WATT: As I was saying, there have been numerous cases in which the ABCC has been criticised by judges. In ABCC against Parker, Justice Kerr criticised the ABCC for 'over-egging' its case, being a 'battleship in full steam' which 'had difficulty turning'— Senator McGrath interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Watt, please resume your seat. Senator McGrath, every time your voice gets very loud, I am simply going to sit down whoever has got the call, and that means that time is being wasted by your actions in this question time. Senator WATT: Thank you, President. I was reflecting on the irony of certain opposition members asking questions about thuggish behaviour, when they continue to disrespect your ruling. So, as I say, there are numerous cases in which judges— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr, first supplementary?