Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:15): I thank the senator for his question. The decision in question, from recollection, is a decision of Minister Catherine King, not of the Prime Minister. But I'm happy to take the question, notwithstanding the fact of that decision. The government is committed to continuing the growth of Australia's international air services, providing additional support and opportunities for trade and tourism, whilst maintaining a strong Australian based aviation sector. I understand that the government has decided not to approve the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority request for additional services at this time. I am also advised we have over 100 air services agreements with other countries, and we'll be seeking bilateral negotiations with other key international priority markets over the next year. When such decisions are made, obviously there are a range of factors which are considered in determining whether an expansion of bilateral air rights is in Australia's national interest. I would make the point that Senator Farrell has made, that international— The PRESIDENT: Senator Birmingham? Senator Birmingham: On a point of order on a question of direct relevance, the specific matters contained in Senator Cadell's question went to the description of economic activity lost as a result of the decision, and the economic advice the government considered and received. The minister has not touched on those economic impacts at all at this stage. I ask you to draw her to the question. The PRESIDENT: I note that there was a considerable preamble, and the minister has addressed those points. I will remind her of the latter part of the question. Senator WONG: On the point of order, I'm showing the senator a courtesy by answering in the Prime Minister's portfolio. I started the answer—this is on the point of order—with a reminder to the senator that the decision, as I recall it—I might be wrong—was actually made by Minister King. Senator Birmingham interjecting— Senator WONG: May I finish? Senator Birmingham interjecting— Senator WONG: If you want to talk— Senator Birmingham: If you'd like to invite me to, I seek leave to make a statement— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator WONG: To show a degree of courtesy to Senator Cadell, he's asking details about a decision that is made in another portfolio. I'm seeking to respond as best I can on the broader policy point. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Minister Wong. I note that you did make that immediate point when you stood to answer the question. I'm not sure if Minister Wong has finished her contribution. Senator WONG: I will continue. Coming back to the point that Senator Farrell made yesterday, international travel is recovering strongly. I know Senator Cadell talked about economic impact. I understand in the year ending January 2023 there were over 21 million passenger movements in and out of Australia. That's an increase of in excess of 1,000 per cent over the previous year, ending January 2022. We are obviously on a much better path as a consequence of the post-COVID recovery. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cadell, first supplementary?