Senator LUDWIG (Queensland—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on Queensland Floods Recovery) (14:49): There were many opportunities to consult through this process. Clearly that was not taken up by the MLA with their representative members. Right throughout this process the engagement through my department and through the embassy with the Indonesian authorities in relation to the suspension has been ongoing. I did have the opportunity of speaking with the Indonesian Minister for Agriculture, Mr Suswono. The meeting went well. It provided both of us with an opportunity to share views about how we can return this industry as quickly as possible. When you look at the comments the minister himself made, as reported, they provide clear encouragement that we can look to the way this trade can return on a sustainable footing whilst maintaining animal welfare outcomes. It is important also to consider the other state and territory governments, including Queensland, the Northern Territory and WA. They too are part of the industry working group to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. I have called them together and I have continued to inform the ministers for agriculture in WA, the Northern Territory and Queensland about the suspension and the ongoing way we can return the issue. Senator Brandis: Mr President, on a point of order: the question was about whether the minister consulted with the Western Australian minister before making the decision, not after. He should be brought to the question. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. The minister is answering the question. The minister might not be answering it in the terms that you would like, but he is answering the question. Senator LUDWIG: With respect to Minister Redman, we do have a highly valued partnership and I have had continual dialogue with him about a range of matters within the portfolio, and subsequent to this particular issue he has been represented on the industry working group through his— (Time expired)