Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I think the Australian public listening to this question time will also be at a loss as to what Senator Abetz is thinking he is doing. The Prime Minister and Mr Garrett are available, at this very moment, to answer questions from the opposition about the actions they have taken in relation to these matters. They have repeatedly answered questions about these matters in the House of Representatives, which is the appropriate forum. We welcome that scrutiny, and we have made ourselves accountable.

Senator Arbib has been accountable in this chamber. Mr Rudd and Mr Garrett have been accountable in the House of Representatives. That is as it should be under our democratic system of government. Those answers are available to the opposition when they question those ministers in the relevant chambers. So, certainly, when I can help the senator I will but, as I said, I have no idea what the senator thinks he is doing in— (Time expired)