John Hogg President
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
2:00 pm
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
Chris Evans WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate
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.