Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:24): The Prime Minister has made his views clear about this matter having dragged on too long. But I again would make this point: whilst we are doing what we can between government and government, there are limits until Mr Assange has concluded the legal processes. Senator Rice: He's a political prisoner. Senator WONG: No, there are legal processes which are still on foot, which cannot— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Rice! Senator WONG: I would also— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge? Senator Shoebridge: Thank you, President. My point of order is on relevance. My question was about a meeting between the President and the Prime Minister—not about court proceedings but about a meeting between the President and the Prime Minister—and the minister is refusing to address it. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Shoebridge. I believe the minister is being relevant to your question. Senator WONG: I did respond to it. I'm actually trying to be helpful. If you perhaps listened to what I'm saying, Senator Shoebridge, what I'm saying to you is that, while soever there are legal proceedings on foot, it is very difficult for there to be resolution between governments. I think that is an observation of fact. Senator Shoebridge: That is plain rubbish, and you know it. Senator WONG: Well, there are some countries where— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge, this is not a debate. Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, order! Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my left and my right. I've called you to order. This is not an opportunity to debate. There are other opportunities during our sitting for you to make whatever comments you want. You asked the question and you listen with respect. Senator WONG: I would also make the point, because the senator mentioned Mr Assange's family, that I have engaged with his family.