QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:30): President, I believe that's probably a question better directed to Minister Farrell, who has ministerial responsibilities in this area. The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan, you've heard the advice of the minister.

Do you want the minister to continue answering or do you want me to redirect the question? Senator Canavan: The finance minister is a shareholder minister, but I'm happy for the question to be transferred, if she doesn't have the knowledge. It's $250 million!

Senator Wong: On the point of order, to assist Senator Canavan, ministerial accountability is in accordance with the portfolios and the legislation that ministers have responsibility for. The fact that the minister is a shareholder minister does not mean she is accountable for that program. The responsibility is with the portfolio minister.

Senator Canavan: Oh, wow! The government doesn't know what is going on. Senator Wong: It's about the Westminster system.

I just thought it might be of assistance to remind you that— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Wong. Senator Canavan has indicated that the question can be redirected to Minister Farrell.