QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:13): I thank the senator for the question. If you would indulge me, I do want to take this opportunity, on the second question, to acknowledge our friends from Japan and Tonga who have joined us for this question time. I'm trying to be very polite because you are here.

But, Senator, I think that really is the same question that was asked, with different words but the same propositions, by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. I understand the political point that is being made, but we don't agree with it. What I'd say to you is that, yes, the Prime Minister does have confidence in the minister.

I would say to you that the minister has acknowledged what he has done wrong. I would say, also, that the minister has been very diligent in ensuring that the recommendations of the royal commission have been acted upon and are being acted upon. I can say— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie?

Senator McKenzie: Just on a point of order on direct relevance, Madam President, I asked the minister about the— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator McKenzie. I remind you— Senator McKenzie: pattern of behaviour from this minister. The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, I'm speaking.

I remind you that I've noted the question. The minister is being relevant and I'll continue to listen carefully. Senator WONG: What we are concerned about is ensuring that our veterans are treated with the care and respect they deserve and that appropriate support is provided, which is why the government has made substantial investments in the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

It's why the government has been consulting on the implementation of the recommendations of the royal commission, and it is why the government will continue to work with veterans to ensure that, in particular, the responses to the royal commission are implemented. To date, I advised the government has invested over $2 billion in funding to support initiatives in response to the royal commission.

This is one of the most significant investments in veterans' wellbeing in Australian history and it has occurred under this government, this minister and, importantly, the Prime Minister, because we do believe that veterans should be respected and supported. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Minister. Senator McKenzie, first supplementary?