QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (15:19): Senator, that is— The PRESIDENT: Senator O'Neill? Senator O'Neill: There was an imputation of motive that was embedded in that question. The PRESIDENT: Is there a point of order?

Senator O'Neill: The point of order is that the senator should withdraw imputation of motive. The PRESIDENT: Senator O'Neill, I did not hear what was said. I don't know which senator you're referring to.

I will seek advice from the clerk, but I'm not sure what I can do here. Senator Henderson? Senator Henderson: On the point of order—I was asking a question about reiterating the importance of the national interest.

The minister is the responsible minister in the Senate. The PRESIDENT: Senator O'Neill thinks an imputation was made. I didn't hear it.

The clerk didn't hear it. I am going to invite Senator Henderson, in the interests of the chamber—not on a point of order but in the interests of the chamber—if she thinks she said something— Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Excuse me, Senator McKenzie! I believe that I'm speaking.

My role in this chamber is to make sure debate is respectful, and it's always challenging at question time. I'm not asking for a withdrawal. I'm simply asking that, in the interests of the chamber, if Senator Henderson thinks anything she said was untoward, she withdraw.

Senator Henderson: I'm very happy to rephrase the question to assist the chamber. The PRESIDENT: No. I've asked you to withdraw.

Senator Henderson: You said that you didn't hear what I said. The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, you are not in a debate with me. I'm well aware of what the question is.

Senator O'Neill stood and suggested there was an imputation. I've simply said that, if you believe there was an imputation, in the interests of the chamber, you can withdraw it. But it is up to you.

I don't need the question repeated. If you want to withdraw, you can. If you don't want to, I will call the minister.

Senator AYRES: What I can report is that, in terms of petrol, on 3 March there were 36 days; on 10 March, prior to the minimum stockholding obligation release, there were 37 days; and on 17 March, the most recent figures I have, there are 38 days. That's in relation to unleaded petrol. In relation to jet fuel, there were 29 days on 3 March, 29 days on 10 March—that was prior to the MSO release—and 30 days on 17 March.

In relation to diesel, there were 32 days on 3 March, 30 on 10 March and 30 on 17 March. In addition to that, the minister made a fresh announcement today about changing standards in relation to diesel that will free up more diesel in the system. If I get an opportunity to answer another question on this topic, I'll be delighted to help.

(Time expired)