Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Hansard source

I will deal with Senator Macdonald's point of order first. I have noticed in recent months—in fact, probably in recent years—that supplementary questions have not strictly been related to the primary question exactly. However, I have allowed a lot of latitude and I think that is something that I will continue to allow, because it is on topic although not directly related to the primary question. So, Senator Macdonald, in that sense you are right, but I have allowed this to happen for some time.

In relation to the first point of order, Senator Di Natale, apart from your preamble, your sole question was: can you explain why the Prime Minister lied to the Australian people? The Attorney-General up-front rejected that, so the Attorney-General has been relevant to your direct question. Attorney-General, you have the call.