Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, in considering the matters that Senator Wong has raised, I would draw to your attention the fact that Senator McKenzie very clearly went specifically to matters of National Party ministers and their current representation in the current ministerial arrangements in the very first part of her response. Having addressed directly the direct question asked, it is entirely appropriate for a minister to be able to give context, including historical context, in relation to such answers that have been given. It is entirely appropriate for a minister to be able to elaborate on a point that they're making, and, in elaborating, that may mean that they are adding further context and information to what they have provided in terms of a direct response to the question that was asked.