DOCUMENTS

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) (15:53): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator GALLAGHER: As Minister Wong and the Prime Minister have made clear, it is inappropriate for the opposition to seek to score political points on Australia's relationship with Japan.

The Prime Minister of Japan is a friend of Australia and a friend of the Australian Prime Minister, and the relationship with Japan is closer than it has ever been. The government has responded to the order, indicating, as this motion says, that the matter has been referred to the AFP, and, as a result, it would be inappropriate to respond to the order. This remains the government's position, and we oppose the motion.

The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion 624 standing in the name of Senator Paterson be agreed to.