Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water
5:03 pm
I am aware that there are at least two Greens senators at the airport despite wanting to be in question time instead, but I seek leave to move that the Senate does not adjourn until the Leader of the Government in the Senate asks that further questions be placed on notice, because, if people are so insistent about doing question time, we are here all night.
Leave not granted.
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration
On a point of order: Senator Watt reflected on the absence of two Greens senators. He should withdraw that reflection. He really should.
Sue Lines President
He didn't name anyone. The custom is that you don't name senators if they are absent from the chamber. They were not named. Senator Hanson-Young?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
We are partly in this mess because there's a particular senator who is not here, and it's Senator Wong, who isn't at the table. Let's not get into pettiness right now.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
I'm going to wait for silence. That is what I have requested since question 11.
Glenn Sterle WA, Australian Labor Party
She's actually representing the country, like you swill.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
What was that?
Sue Lines President
Senator Ruston, which bit did you miss? I requested silence. I'm waiting for it. Senator Ruston?
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
I was just wondering if you might ask Senator Sterle to withdraw.
Sue Lines President
Thank you, Senator Shoebridge. If I need your intervention, I will ask for it. Senator Sterle, I'm sure, will withdraw.
Glenn Sterle WA, Australian Labor Party
I certainly will. There were a number of things that I said, but I'll withdraw the whole lot.