Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (15:24): I thank Senator Hume for her question. I am a little bit surprised that this question is being asked at this time, given the announcement in respect of former senator Ketter was made some months ago. We very publicly announced that the vacancy that was open in San Francisco was going to be filled by Mr Ketter. We have followed all the usual processes— Senator Canavan interjecting— Senator FARRELL: You might not like this, Senator Canavan, but we have followed all the usual processes that apply in the selection of people who represent us in these missions overseas. I'm very comfortable, I have to say, with the appointment of Mr Ketter. His— The PRESIDENT: Senator Birmingham? Senator Birmingham: A point of order on direct relevance: Senator Hume's question did not raise Mr Ketter at all. Her question went specifically to the merits based process that had led to the selection, apparently, of Ms Kirstyn Thomson, a fact that had not been made public, notwithstanding the minister's insinuations, and whether or not it is correct that he had overturned that process. I ask you to draw him to the detailed part of the question, which is clearly about the merits based selection process that was undertaken. The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong? Senator Wong: On the point of order, the minister clearly was responding to the appointment, which was the nub of the question. I put to you that he was being directly relevant in accordance with the standing orders. The PRESIDENT: I do believe the minister was being relevant to the question, because it did go to the nature of overturning what was alleged to have been a decision. But I will listen carefully to the minister's continued answer, and if he strays from the question I will draw his attention to that, Senator Birmingham. Senator FARRELL: The government, when they're making these sorts of appointments, considers—and I in particular consider—a number of factors where there is a clear advantage to be represented by people who've had distinguished careers beyond the Public Service, such as businesspeople and former parliamentarians. I'd note that that was frequently done by the former government. That's the process that— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume? Senator Hume: On a point of order, the question was specifically about whether the minister overturned a merits based process. The PRESIDENT: And the minister is being relevant to the question, Senator Hume. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator Hume: He did not answer that question. He has not answered that question. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, there is ample opportunity after this, in take note, to pursue your point of view, but the minister is being relevant. He's talking about the selection process and the reason for the decision. I am listening carefully, and if there is a deviation from the question I will remind him and draw him back to it. Senator FARRELL: I followed the usual processes which apply in respect of these sorts of appointments. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, first supplementary?