Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:22): As I said yesterday, under international law, hospitals, patients, medical facilities and medical practitioners have certain protections. Senator Steele-John: And the State of Israel is not respecting those. Senator WONG: Well, you may decide that you want to make those sorts of assertions. That is not the role of the Australian foreign minister, and I don't propose to. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, please continue. Senator WONG: I would have thought some of the events that we have seen might lead you to a slightly more moderate tone, Senator. Honourable senators interjecting— Senator WONG: In Australia. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order across the chamber! Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Steele-John, you've asked your question. The minister is answering. I will again say— Senator Steele-John: Not really. The PRESIDENT: Senator Steele-John, you're not in an argument with me or a debate. I'm calling for respectful silence. Minister, please continue. Senator WONG: I articulated the government's position yesterday in an interview, and I expressed the view about the position of medical facilities, patients and hospitals and the importance of international law being observed. I said what I said and I stand by it. (Time expired)