QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator McKENZIE (Victoria—Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (14:53): As raised last week, Geoffrey Watson told our Senate inquiry that no ministers or Commonwealth officials had approached him to discuss his evidence of up to $15 billion of economic corruption on Victoria's Big Build infrastructure projects. Given the Commonwealth is contributing $30 billion towards Victoria's Big Build projects and your portfolio responsibility is to ensure the prudent expenditure of Commonwealth taxpayer funds, what action have you taken as the responsible minister or have directed your department officials to undertake?
(Time expired) Senator Wong: Point of order—President, with the supplementary question, I think the fact that the senator is asking the wrong minister has become patently clear. In fact, I have answered these questions before on behalf of the Prime Minister, referencing action that Minister King has taken. This is not a matter for the Minister for Finance.
This is a matter that should either go to me for the Prime Minister or Senator McCarthy, who represents Minister King. The PRESIDENT: I'm sure Senator McKenzie has heard that advice. Senator McKenzie, do you wish to redirect your question, or do you want me to call— Senator McKenzie: I'm pretty sure Senator Gallagher signs the cheques.
Senator Wong: That would mean that Senator Gallagher, as finance minister, has responsibility for the whole of government. That is not what the Westminster system does. We are all accountable in this chamber, where she's wonderful and outstanding.
The Westminster system requires ministers to be accountable to the people through the parliament for matters within their responsibility. You are asking her a question that is not within her responsibility. I suggest you've been here sufficiently long, Senator, that you might ask the correct minister.
The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Minister Wong. Senator McKenzie has heard that advice. Indeed, in her first answer, Minister Gallagher explained the involvement of her role as Minister for Finance.
Senator McKenzie does not wish to redirect her question, so I'll invite the minister to answer the question in her capacity as Minister for Finance.