QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:16): Again, I will get the information that's required in terms of the Western Australian government's responsibility, and what I will do— Senator Cash: The answer is no. Senator McCARTHY: Hang on a minute. Excuse me.

I am trying to respond. This is a really serious matter, Senator Cash. You may not want to know and you may not care— Senator Cash interjecting— Senator McCARTHY: Have you been to Port Hedland?

You are the senator for Western Australia. In fact, how many of you from Western Australia have been there to Port Hedland and been with the families? And how many of you have gone to the Western Australian government to actually seek the briefing that I am going to receive this afternoon?

Not one of you. As senators for Western Australia, none of you have shown any interest. Not one of you have even contacted my office.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Nampijinpa Price? Senator Nampijinpa Price: My point of order goes to relevance. The PRESIDENT: As you are well aware, when there are interjections, the minister is entitled to take them.

Senator McCARTHY: I would just remind all senators that each and every one of you is also responsible to do the right thing in the Senate. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator McCARTHY: I have said I have sought a briefing.

You don't want to know, and I'll be interested to see in the next sittings whether any of the WA senators have gone— The PRESIDENT: Senator Polley? Senator Polley: President, point of order. I am struggling to hear the minister.

There's a lot of disorderly behaviour. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Polley. I have called the Senate to order.

Minister, had you concluded your answer? Time had expired; there was four seconds there.