Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is also addressed to the minister for communications. When did the minister first learn about the 2018 purchase of four Cartier watches, valued at $12,000, by Australia Post with taxpayer funds?

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I indicated in my previous answer that I was shocked to discover that—

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

when it was revealed in estimates this morning.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister might pause for a second. We're not going to have the situation where a minister is asked a specific question and I can't hear the answer because there are a whole series of interjections. It's completely pointless. If you're going to ask the question, please listen to the answer. The minister has the call.

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've concluded my answer.

Honourable members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition can resume his seat. To both sides, to all members, I'm just going to make this point now. I will start ejecting people rapidly. That is a prime example where the minister did give the answer. It will be there in Hansard. I could just hear the answer. I believe the Leader of the Opposition didn't, and that is because those behind him were interjecting loudly. A minister can conclude their answer at any time. So that is a prime example of why interjections are completely counterproductive. If there is a repeat of that, with those levels of interjections, there will be no warnings for the rest of the day, there will be no mentions, there will just be ejections.