My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. Yesterday the Senate exercised its power to extend question time to allow more scrutiny of this government. Reports suggest that the government intends to retaliate by stripping opposition committee deputy chair positions in the other place. Does the government seriously believe it has the right to punish senators for voting to strengthen accountability in this parliament, and will the Prime Minister immediately rule out these petty, vindictive threats?