QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:46): Well, Senator Babet, you mentioned the question six months ago, and I have to say it's good to have you back, mate. In fact, this is the first question you've asked in six months. It's six months since your last question, and in fact, during that time, you haven't actually spoken on government legislation.

I know it's embarrassing— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator WONG: The timeframe referred to in the question was the last time you graced us with your presence, mate. In between then and now, people have been observing on Facebook and Instagram your magical mystery tour. I did wonder if you were actually overseas maybe meeting with the people who manufacture your supposed 'Australia first' merchandise, but apparently you were just holidaying in Europe.

We have a clear position on Russia and Ukraine. We believe that Russia's breach of the UN Charter in its invasion of Ukraine was illegal and was wrong, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine. I understand you want to stand with President Putin against Ukraine.

I completely disagree with you, and I do think that is a shameful position. We will not be changing our position. If you want to talk about what's disgraceful, I think it's disgraceful that a senator rocks up here, takes six months before he actually turns up to do some work and continues to pull his salary whilst posting his holiday pics everywhere.