Senator DASTYARI (New South Wales) (14:57): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Was the Minister representing the Prime Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate consulted on the decisions to reinstate knights and dames in the Australian honours system, or did he find out, like everyone else, when the Prime Minister announced it? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When the chamber settles down, we will give the call to Senator Abetz. The Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Senator Abetz: Mr President, a question of such moment clearly requires the assistance of Her Majesty's Vice-President of her Executive Council, and I call on Senator Brandis to answer the question. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! On my left! Senator Wong is on her feet. Senator Conroy, I am waiting to give the call to Senator Wong. Senator Macdonald, Senator Cormann, and Senator Fifield, these interjections are not helping with the conduct of question time. They are disorderly. Senator Wong: Mr President, on a point of order. I can appreciate the Leader of the Government in the Senate not wanting to answer this question, but the question was whether or not Minister Abetz was consulted by the Prime Minister. The question was: was the Minister representing the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Government in the Senate consulted on the decision to reinstate knights and dames in the Australian honours system? I would suggest to you, Mr President, it is not a question that can be referred to another minister. The PRESIDENT: I am allowing the question to go to Senator Brandis.