Dr MULINO (Fraser) (14:23): My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How are the Australian people paying for the inaction over the last 10 years of the former government when it comes to national security? What are the consequences for the government and the nation? Mr Fletcher: Mr Speaker— Government members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right. The House will come to order immediately. I give the call to the Manager of Opposition Business. Mr Fletcher: Mr Speaker, I just direct your attention to the parts of the standing orders that go to what questions may be asked about—matters for which ministers are responsible. That question was about nothing other than the activities of the previous government, which are not things that this minister is responsible for. The SPEAKER: I'll hear from the Leader of the House. Mr Burke: Mr Speaker, the question goes directly to challenges now being faced by the Australian people and what the consequences are for the government; that's entirely a policy question for a minister. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Prime Minister is also the Minister for Defence. This question relates directly to his portfolio, particularly the areas of national security that he has responsibility for. I'll listen to his answer carefully.