Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:13): I refer you to my statement. The manner in which this story became public, the timing of this story becoming public and the decisions about Ms Higgins's story and how she wanted to tell it had absolutely nothing to do with me—absolutely nothing. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: Well, the implication in that question from Senator Payne is that I was involved in it, and I wasn't. And I want to remind people here today just what message this chamber is sending out to every other woman who might want to stand up. Honourable senators interjecti ng— The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, please resume your seat. Order on my left and my right. These are difficult questions and difficult answers, and I'm asking that you listen respectfully and in silence. Minister, please continue. Senator GALLAGHER: I would say that this chamber should think about how this debate, and the ongoing coverage of it, is impacting on all the women out there, to whom we are saying with one mouth, 'Stand up and tell you story, and we will support you.' Using the other tongue, we are saying, 'If you dare to do it— (Time expired) Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Order! I'm not sure who made that comment. I am calling on you to stand up and withdraw it. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I'm not going to repeat it. I think you're well aware of what was said. Senator McGrath: I withdraw. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: That's enough! Seriously. I heard it, and so did a lot of other people. Thank you for withdrawing, Senator McGrath.