QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:40): Again, after 10 years of coalition government, where they let the people of Narrandera go through drinking water like what you've got on your table, and not a cent spent on fixing the problem, we now have a government that's investing in fixing the problem. And you're complaining after turning your back on these people for 10 years.
This is why the National Party is on track to come fourth at best in the Farrer by-election—because people know you have no solutions for them. How much did they get in South Australia? Half a per cent?
Senator Farrell: No, point seven. Senator WATT: That's why you got 0.7 per cent of the vote in the South Australian election, because people know you have nothing to offer. Senator Canavan interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan, I'm sure you can see Senator Henderson on her feet, and I'm waiting for silence.
Senator Henderson: On a point of order, the minister has repeatedly said 'you' in his answers. Could you ask him to— The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson. Senator Henderson: make his comments through the chair, please?
The PRESIDENT: Resume your seat. Senator Watt, you do need to direct your questions to the chair. Senator WATT: I thought Senator Henderson would be a little bit busy on Victorian upper house preselections, but obviously she's got time to interpret standing orders as well.
She's got such a good record that way. Honourable senators interjecting— Senator WATT: Yes, they all agree. They all agree.
This government is finally acting on restoring the environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin, which is bringing back waterbirds, bringing back the health of that water system and sustaining agriculture long into the future. The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Canavan! I did indicate to Senator Cadell this morning that I thought he had a prop on his desk.
He assured me it wasn't and, to his credit, he hasn't used it as a prop. However, Senator Canavan, you have. You know it's disorderly, and please cease doing that.