I note that Queensland has a wonderful Ugandan community, as well. My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The ABC reports a spokesperson for the Marrickville Golf Club saying of the Prime Minister:

We have him on the books as an honorary member …

The Prime Minister today said:

No, I don't have a membership.

What steps has the Prime Minister taken to assure himself whether or not he is recorded in the Marrickville Golf Club records as being an honorary member of the club?

Order! I've called order across the chamber. I should not have to follow that up that up by naming individual senators. Minister Wong?

I thank the senator for his question. What I can say to you is that I understand that this is a facility open to all in the Grayndler electorate, and I can confirm that paid social membership is valued at the bargain price of $5 for two years. I would just simply say the Prime Minister is engaged closely in his electorate. He is—

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Scarr?

My point of order goes to direct relevance. The question was: what steps has he taken to assure himself? If the minister doesn't know, take it on notice.

Thank you, Senator Scarr. I remind you once again that you stand and make your point of order. It doesn't give you an obligation or an entitlement to make a statement. The minister is being relevant. I would advise you to not allow interjections on your side, because those can also be taken into account. Minister Wong?

Thank you, President. As I said, I'm advised that paid social membership is valued at the bargain price of five bucks for two years, which seems extraordinarily low. Always, Senator Scarr, if I'm able to provide further information, I will. I would make the point to you that the Prime Minister remains someone who has represented this community for many, many years and is engaged in many aspects of community life. The grants that we have spoken about—for example, grants during the last election campaign, also went to the Leichhardt Women's Community Health Centre and to the St Vincent de Paul Society. Yes, he's a local member, so it's normal for—

Order! Order across the chamber. Minister Wong.

If I can provide further information, I will do so.

Senator Scarr, a first supplementary?

This isn't a question of community engagement or anything in that regard. It's a question of disclosure of conflicts or perceived conflicts. So I ask: what steps has the Prime Minister taken to assure himself that he has complied with the obligations to declare private interests or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with section 3 of the code of conduct for ministers?

I'd make a few points. The first is that the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker on the grant. Let's say that again. Unlike what has happened in the past in some of these areas, the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker on this grant. That is the first point. The second point I would make is in relation to the supplementary question asked. I would note that in relation to the requirements for registers of members' interests in the House, the notes do indicate that 'Generally it would be expected that membership of a local community, sporting or charitable organisation would not pose or be seen to pose a potential conflict of interest.' I think that responds to the second part of your question.

Senator Scarr, second supplementary?

I note this was in relation to an election commitment and a closed tender process. Minister, did the Prime Minister declare a conflict or perceived conflict of interest in relation to the Marrickville Golf Club before the decision was—

Order on my right! I'm sorry, Senator Scarr.

Senator Watt! I remind you that Senator Scarr has the right to ask his question in silence. Please continue, Senator Scarr.

I understand their sensitivity in this regard. Did the Prime Minister declare a conflict or perceived conflict of interest in relation to the Marrickville Golf Club before the decision was made to commit $6 million in Commonwealth funding to the Marrickville Golf Club as part of the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program? If not, why not? (Time expired.)

Again, I know that those opposite really want to try and make something where there is nothing—

Unlike the person who is now laughing at me, he was not the decision-maker. He was not the decision-maker. He is not the decision-maker. Again, he did not make the decision in relation to this grant. This grant was disclosed by way of an election commitment transparently and delivered in accordance with the Commonwealth rules.

Senator Ruston interjecting—

Senator Ruston, you will withdraw that comment.

I withdraw.

Thank you. I would ask those on my left to listen in silence.

The Prime Minister was not the decision-maker. The election commitment was transparently and publicly made, and we are delivering on an election commitment. End of story.