QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:05): I actually am not sure that's worthy of an answer, Senator. You are the deputy leader of a party which seeks to govern, and what you are part of—and you know you are—along with others on your side, including, remarkably, the shadow Foreign minister, is to try and ensure that you create a diplomatic issue between Australia and its special strategic partner Japan.

We will continue, on this side, to hold fast to what is in Australia's national interests, something that you used to understand, Senator Paterson. It was a bipartisan interest for both parties to support the relationship with Japan, and I think it says something that the modern Liberal Party have walked away from that.