QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:41): My recollection is it is a coal-fired blast furnace. What I'm saying to you is that the underinvestment by Mr Gupta and GFG Alliance has left Whyalla where it is, and it would be useful, instead of using this to try and pursue a political culture war, which is what you are doing, to perhaps look at the facts.

You are running interference for a British billionaire, and it does not help the workers. I'd make this point— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Canavan, I've called you at least three or four times, and I've also called you, Senator Ayres.

If you can't listen in silence, leave the chamber, because you are being disrespectful and discourteous to me. Senator WONG: Remember that Tomago could not get coal fired power at a price where it was able to keep the facility open. I know that's an inconvenient fact for you.

I know it's an inconvenient fact that the way to save Tomago was to go with renewables and gas, but that is the truth. The problem is for you, Senator Canavan, that the facts get in the way of your culture wars. (Time expired)