QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator KOVACIC (New South Wales) (14:12): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. In an awkward moment at a press conference this morning, the New South Wales Premier stepped in to shield the Prime Minister from questions about his lewd comments and hand gestures in relation to the Japanese Prime Minister. Minister, why does the Prime Minister of Australia need the New South Wales Premier to protect him from answering questions about this matter?