QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:05): Again, I would make the same point I have made from the beginning. I don't regard expressing respect for veterans as empty words. I'd make that point first.

The second point I'd make is that if you are keen to point the finger I hope that you or one of the people in the cabinet who did not back the 42,000 veteran compensation claims where there was a backlog—42,000— Senator Cash: This is about you, Senator. Senator WONG: Senator Cash is now very, very concerned about this issue. I wonder if, in the cabinet, she was one of the people who ensured— Senator Cash interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

Senator WONG: Senator Cash, you just accused me of something personal, and then you react when I respond. I hope that you, in the cabinet, were one of the people who argued for more funding for Veterans' Affairs, because 42,000 veterans had compensation claims that weren't even looked at by someone. So let's be clear about the approach that was taken over there.

(Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash, second supplementary.