Senator CARR (Victoria—Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) (15:11): I seek clarification. Did Senator Barnett say to the Senate that he personally rang my office. Is that the claim? Senator Conroy: No, your repping minister. Senator CARR: I am sorry, I thought there had been a claim made about ringing my office. It was to Minister Bowen's office. I am pleased to hear that. Senator Ian Macdonald: If you had stayed in the chamber, you would have heard that. Senator CARR: If I had known to stay in the chamber, I might have heard it. Opposition senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order on my left! Senator CARR: If there is an assertion made that a senator has rung my office and that I am showing disrespect to this chamber, I reject it. Senator Abetz: But he did ring your office. Senator CARR: Who rang my office? Opposition senators: Senator Barnett, this morning; that is what he said. Senator Conroy: He rang Bowen's office. Senator CARR: So perhaps you would like to withdraw, Senator. Perhaps you should withdraw. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Carr! Senator CARR: Typical ignorance from a person like you—complete ignorance. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Carr, resume your seat. Honourable senators interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: We will not continue until there is order. Senator Carr, you will address your remarks to the chair and not across the chamber. Senator CARR: I am sorry, Mr Deputy President. I reject any suggestion that I have shown contempt towards this chamber. I have always taken the Senate estimates very seriously. I understand that questions have been raised concerning a significant number of questions that were asked in the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, at which I represent the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. In fact, 357 questions were asked with many subparts, which were taken on notice by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at the additional budget estimates hearing in February 2011. This follows on from some 445 questions which were taken on notice at the budget estimates hearing in October last year. I am advised that 250 responses have already been lodged with the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. Again, it is an extremely high number of questions compared with the previous estimates hearing. Many of the questions seek detailed information on a number of complex and sensitive issues. I am advised that efforts are being made to ensure that all outstanding responses to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee are lodged before the next hearing scheduled for 23 and 24 May. I am also advised that, while the Department of Immigration and Citizenship does strive to meet the committee's deadlines, it has not always been possible. Senator Barnett may well remember that in 2006 and in 2007, under the previous government, the department was not able to meet the committee's deadlines in those circumstances either.