John Hogg (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Are there any questions without notice? I call Senator Evans before we go to questions.

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

I would not mind asking a question or two. It is the only downside of being in government. I would not mind asking a few questions about the opposition’s CPRS policy, but I want to advise that Senator Faulkner, the Minister for Defence, will be absent—

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Abetz interjecting—

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

In 11 years of government we did not get a direct one. Senator Faulkner will be absent from Senate question time today and tomorrow. He will be attending a meeting of the NATO defence ministers and non-NATO International Security Assistance Force in Turkey. I think he has advised relevant authorities and I have certainly written to party leaders. In his absence, Senator Ludwig will handle matters relating to defence, veterans’ affairs and defence personnel, and I will represent him on foreign affairs matters.