George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
2:00 pm
I advise the Senate that Senator Birmingham will be absent from question time today. In Senator Birmingham's absence, Senator Payne will represent the Minister for Education and Training, and Senator Canavan will represent the Minister for the Environment and Energy.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I apologise; I was a little late to the chamber. Was there a reason given for the absences, because in the letter to me there wasn't? I just want to make sure the chamber has been advised.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
I couldn't quite hear all of Senator Brandis's statement myself. There were some interjections. Senator Brandis, do you have anything to add?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I'm not going to inquire, but usually it's courtesy to say whether it's personal reasons or ministerial reasons.
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
Yes, I'm advised it's personal.