Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:18): I thank Senator Faruqi for her question. I have to say, Senator, on an historic day in this place, when we pass a piece of legislation that allows for, finally, a referendum on recognition of Indigenous Australians through a voice to parliament, it's a great shame that the Greens have chosen this particular day to vote down a piece of legislation— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senators on my right! Senator Farrell, if you'd direct your answers through the chair, please. Please continue. Senator FARRELL: So it's a great pity that on this historic day the Greens would choose to link a decision— The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat again. Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Shoebridge! There are many opportunities for you throughout the week to make a statement about the matters that you wish to. Question time is not one of them, particularly as I have called the right side of the chamber to order on a number of occasions. The minister is entitled to give his answer in silence. Minister Farrell, please continue. Senator FARRELL: I know why the Greens are so embarrassed and keep interrupting me when I'm answering this question— Senator Shoebridge interjecting— Senator FARRELL: I know why Senator Shoebridge is so— Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. It's quiet now; you may continue. Senator FARRELL: I know why the Greens are so embarrassed about what has happened today. Shame on you! You had an historic opportunity today to vote with the Labor Party to start— The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Whish-Wilson. Senator Whish-Wilson: A point of order, President. You just directed Senator Farrell, who has ignored your direction as Chair, not to address the Greens directly. Could you please— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Whish-Wilson. I will draw that to Minister Farrell's attention. I have also spent a considerable part of the answer calling for order, particularly on the right and to the back of the chamber. I'd ask all senators to respect the directions I give. Minister. Senator FARRELL: I will direct my response to you, President, in light of that direction, because I know that you know that what I'm saying about what the Greens did today in alliance, in cooperation, with what I earlier today described as an axis— Se nator McKim interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Order on my right! Government senators! Senator McKim, I think you also know better than to call out a point of order as you're standing. Senator McKim: Thank you, President. I do have a point of order, which is that Senator Farrell is reflecting on you as the President when he says that you know something. I ask you to require him to withdraw it. The PRESI DENT: Senator McKim, it was not a reflection on me. Please continue, Minister Farrell. Senator FARRELL: I understand, President, why the Greens are so, so embarrassed and do not want me to answer— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Faruqi, your first supplementary.