Ronaldson, Sen Michael

Senator RONALDSON (Victoria) (14:26): Clearly the answer to my question is yes, yes and yes. The PRESIDENT: Statements should not be made. Senator RONALDSON: Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I also refer the minister to a report by Katharine Murphy in last Saturday's Age, which states: 'It is believed Mr Thomson sought advice from his colleague, NSW powerbroker Mark Arbib, about settling the case before the 2010 election.' Can the minister confirm whether he advised the member for Dobell not to withdraw his defamation action against Fairfax before the election, even though— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Again, I cannot see the relationship with the minister's portfolio and I ask the minister to answer that part of the question which might relate to his portfolio responsibilities.