QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:57): Governments make promises in the lead-up to elections. That's what the government did in the lead-up to the last election. The Australian people voted for the Labor Party.

They voted for Anthony Albanese to continue as the Prime Minister, and, having won the election—having announced the project before the election—the Prime Minister honoured the undertaking that he took, and he introduced it. Can I say this about you, Senator McKenzie: we still haven't had an answer to the sports rorts while you were the sports minister. We still have not had an answer to that, and I don't— The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat.

Senator McKenzie? Senator McKenzie: On a point of order, I think there have been previous rulings, Madam President—can you please draw the minister's attention to those rulings and have him withdraw. The PRESIDENT: I'll just engage with the clerk.

While I do have silence in the chamber, Senator McKenzie, I would ask you once again to stop the running commentary. In the previous case, where I did ask for a withdrawal to be made, there was an allegation made. That isn't the case on this occasion.

There was no allegation made. Please continue, Minister Farrell. Senator McKenzie: He pointed at me and said, 'When you were the sports minister'— The PRESIDENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat.

Senator McKenzie, you were constantly interjecting after I called 'order' and after I told you on numerous occasions this afternoon to be quiet or leave the chamber—all of which you ignored. You know very well, as an experienced senator, the minister is quite entitled to take your interjection, which is what he did. So please be quiet.

Senator McKenzie, on a point of order. Senator McKenzie: On a point of order, Madam President, can you please look at the ruling from former president Ryan. The PRESIDENT: Sure.

Thank you. Minister Farrell. Senator FARRELL: Look, I would welcome it if Senator McKenzie would only answer the questions that were asked of her about the sports rorts— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: I am advised, Senator McKenzie, in relation to that ruling by Senator Ryan, that it was about a direct allegation.

As I've indicated to you, a direct allegation was not made on this occasion. That is my ruling.