During question time today I took on notice a question from Senator Wong about the Deputy Prime Minister. I now have a statement that was delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister during question time. It reads: 'Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, and with indulgence, shortly before question time I was alerted that I may have been in contact with a person who was a close contact with a case. I immediately sought further information and advice from Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd. As I am not a close contact, I am now able to attend the chamber.'