QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:31): Thank you, Senator Tyrrell, for the question. Of course we expect all of the telecommunications operators in this country to comply with all of their obligations. It has been distressing to see, in recent weeks with Optus, the failure of that company to be able to provide triple 0 services when people needed it.

But the fact of the matter is that, for most calls—10 million calls are successfully made to triple 0 each year. This government seeks to ensure— Senator Hanson-Young interjecting— Senator FARRELL: With respect, Senator, Senator Tyrrell has asked a very respectful question. Would you please give me the opportunity to answer it in a respectful way, in the way that she has asked that question?

We're an action government. Where we see a problem, we don't get angry. We seek a solution, and that's exactly what we're trying to do.

We're seeking a solution, because anger doesn't solve the problem. Action solves the problem and in the case— Senator Hanson-Young interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Hanson-Young! Senator FARRELL: Senator Tyrrell is asking a legitimate question that requires a legitimate answer.

This government will take action to ensure that the telcos in this country— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Tyrrell, first supplementary?