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) (14:39): I thank Senator Thorpe for her first supplementary question. This obviously is not an area that I'm directly responsible for, but I shall raise this issue with the Attorney-General and come back— Senator Thorpe: You never get back to me on any other matter.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, come to order. Senator Thorpe: So don't talk— The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe! Senator Thorpe: When it comes to— The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, I've called you to order.

Senator Thorpe: He never gets back to me. The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, come to order! You're not in a debate with me!

Senator Thorpe: Be honest! The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe! I will call that you no longer be heard.

Minister, had you finished your answer, or do you wish to continue? Senator FARRELL: Yes, I will continue. I reject your suggestion that I don't get back to you, Senator Thorpe.

On every occasion that you make a request to me, I respond. Senator Thorpe: You do not. You're a liar.

He's lying; I can prove it. The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, withdraw that comment. Senator Thorpe: I'll withdraw.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, you stand and you withdraw. Senator Thorpe: Oh, this colony is so painful. The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe!

Senator Thorpe: I withdraw, President. The PRESIDENT: Thank you. Minister Farrell, please continue.

Senator FARRELL: I've undertaken to raise the issue with the Attorney-General, but the government continues to be concerned about the number of First Nations adults and juveniles in custody across the country, and this government is committed to reducing First Nations incarceration rates. We're focused on community led solutions that work at the local level. The— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, second supplementary?