Senator Wong: The Special Minister of State has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question: (1) (a) and (b) Direction and advice surrounding the employment of media staff are matters for the employing Ministers and their Chiefs of Staff. (2) (a) and (b) Individual staff responsibilities are a matter for the employing Ministers, their Chiefs of staff and the relevant staff member. (3) The allocation of ministerial staff positions is based on the requirements of portfolios. The assignment of particular duties to individual staff is a matter for Ministers and their Chiefs of Staff.