QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:20): I refer to my very first answer. Australian expectations about— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I'm sorry, Senator Wong; please resume your seat.

There's a three-way conversation going on across chamber when the minister is answering the question. Minister Wong, please continue. Senator WONG: I refer you to my first answer, Senator, and I would also say to you that Australian government expectations about the use of Australian government funds are clear.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge? Senator Shoebridge: The minister is not being relevant to my question here, which is about bikie gang payments, which were not covered by AUSTRAC but indeed by the SMH reporting. The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge!

Senator Shoebridge! Senator Shoebridge: The minister knows that and is trying to avoid the question. The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge!

Three times I called you! I'm answering a question. The minister is being relevant to the question.

Minister, did you want to make a further contribution? Senator WONG: Yes, I did. I again would say Australian government expectations about the appropriate use of Australian government funding are something we apply across government.

Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Shoebridge, we have moved on. Senator Wong: The disrespect that is being shown by Senator Shoebridge to you, President, is disgraceful.

He should withdraw that. The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, you've been invited by Minister Wong to withdraw those comments. Senator Shoebridge: I withdraw them, President.