Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:19): I repeat: the government at all stages followed legal advice in considering all of the issues that were relevant. During the period between the government's initial decision to put the Australia Network to an open tender and the finalisation of the independent panel's deliberations, we saw a significant number of international changes take place, including significant political transformation across the Middle East and North Africa. A number of consular crises also underlined the importance of ensuring that strengthened information services would be available from a range of sources. Consistent with its view that the Australia Network was a matter of national importance, the government— The PRESIDENT: Senator Conroy, I do draw your attention to the question. Senator CONROY: I draw your attention to the answer I have given already. I have already referred to the legal advice. Consistent with its view that the Australia Network was a matter of national importance, the government wanted to ensure that the tender took account of these rapidly changing international events. Senator Ronaldson: Mr President, I rise on a point of order: this is the third clear defiance of your ruling in relation to relevance. I ask you to demand of the minister that he answer the question. Senator Chris Evans: Senator Conroy is dealing with a complex issue. He is dealing with an issue that involves an inquiry into the leaking of information during the tender process. Senator Conroy has made it clear that his primary response to the questions asked of him is that the government is acting on that legal advice. That is perfectly directed to the questions asked of him. He is then trying to provide some information regarding those processes. He has made it clear there is an ongoing investigation and an ongoing process inside government, and I think he is directly relevant to the question being asked of him. Senator Joyce: Mr President, on the point of order, I would also like to draw your attention to the comment made by Senator Conroy towards you. I think it was a reflection on the chair and that you should ask him to withdraw that comment. The PRESIDENT: Senator Conroy has three seconds remaining in which to answer the question. Senator Abetz: Are you going to ask him to withdraw? The PRESIDENT: I have already asked Senator Conroy to come to the question that was raised. The minister now has three seconds remaining. Senator CONROY: As I said at the beginning of my answer, and I reiterate for those opposite, we considered all of the legal issues. (Time expired)