Senate debates Questions without Notice: Additional Answers
Pensions and Benefits
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
3:03 pm
I'd like to acknowledge that the government accepts the document tabled by Senator Green earlier in question time. However, I would request that Senator Green provide additional information, because the extent of the redaction makes it impossible for me to able to assess the claims that she is making.
Senator Wong interjecting—
Scott Ryan President
I was about to say leave had been granted by the government to table it. Are you seeking to make an observation—
Senator Wong interjecting—
Is leave granted for Senator Wong to respond?
Leave granted.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
3:04 pm
That seems to be an excuse to do nothing again. We are not going to put—with all due respect, Minister—somebody at risk of, frankly, further being targeted by Centrelink. We have ensured the document—
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
Point of order.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
May I finish?
Scott Ryan President
I must take the point of order, Senator Wong. Senator Birmingham on the point of order.
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
This is not a response to Senator Ruston's statement. All Senator Ruston was inviting was that the opposition could table their document and provide her privately with additional information to address their concern. Senator Wong is debating.
Scott Ryan President
Let me take senators through. Leave was granted by the government—by Senator Ruston. Senator Wong sought leave to make a statement in response to that. Given that leave was granted, Senator Wong is allowed to speak to it in the manner she chooses.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I simply wish to point out there is sufficient information left on there to be very clear that the letter was sent to a person in the Townsville area in relation to a debt. That goes directly to the minister's statements to the Senate. I give the minister clear notice that we do not accept the assertion she just made as a basis for not responding to the questions that Senator Green put to her.