QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:19): First, I didn't attend the ball. A number of people did from all sides of the parliament. In relation to the— An honourable senator interjecting— Senator WONG: Sorry, I'm not sure what the interjection is.

I'll try and stay focused. I apologise. In relation to disclosure, there are rules that senators and ministers have in relation to disclosing gifts and hospitality, and those will be complied with.

But, Senator, we've had this conversation before. The approach we take on issues of energy policy—including on the gas reservation—is because that is our view about what is the best public policy for Australia. I don't understand why you want to stand up on that.

It's about a public policy position. The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Hodgins-May?

Senator Hodgins-May: A point of order, President: I asked whether any Labor MPs have accepted free tickets or hospitality. With respect, those disclosures will not happen for months. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hodgins-May— Senator Hodgins-May: The public deserve to know now.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Hodgins-May, I have reminded— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Order! I have reminded senators before: when you get up to call a point of order, it's not an opportunity to make a statement.

The minister is being relevant to your question. Minister Wong, did you wish to continue? Senator WONG: Senator, I apologise.

I thought you said 'resources'. You said 'gambling'. I apologise.

It was a genuine mistake. But the same answer applies. I don't know who goes to the ball with whom.

I'm sure people might want to talk about that. But, in terms of the disclosure by anyone, whether it's the Greens political party, the opposition, One Nation or the Labor Party, I think we all are bound by the same disclosure rules. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hodgins-May— Senator Hodgins-May: I can confidently say that none of my colleagues— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hodgins-May, I haven't called you.

Senator Hodgins-May.