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

I advise the Senate that Senator Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services, will be absent from question time today for personal reasons. In Senator Ruston's absence, I will represent the Minister for Families and Social Services, the Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Minister for Housing; Senator McKenzie will represent the Minister for Resources and Water; and Senator Payne will represent the Minister for Women's Safety.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There being no objection, leave is granted.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We appreciate that there must be circumstances which have given rise to a very short period of notice, but I would like to again reiterate that it is important for question time that such notice is given as soon as practicable of ministerial absences.