We have the ambassador for Israel in Barnaby Joyce’s office right now. That’s what’s been reported. The ambassador for Israel is in Barnaby Joyce’s office. Is that because there are concerns about the impact of our trading relationships with countries that are opposed to moving our embassy to Jerusalem, or is it that Mr Joyce is actually getting the support outside this parliament…
Full speech
Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia) (11:22): I’ve just got a couple of questions to the minister. I’ve just heard the minister speak about the need for these trade arrangements because they are in the best interests of Australian business. I’d just like to ask, while we’ve got the minister and some advisers here, whether it is in the best interests of Australia’s trade for Australia to be moving our embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and whether there have been any concerns raised directly with the government, as reported, from countries in our region, like Indonesia and Malaysia, in relation to the impact on our trading arrangements because of this decision to move Australia’s embassy to Jerusalem. I’ve asked the question of the minister and I would like an answer.
THE TEMPORARY CHAIR ( Senator Sterle ): I will give the minister an opportunity. Minister? Are there any further questions?
Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia) (11:24): It’s obvious that the minister is refusing to answer the question. We have the ambassador for Israel in Barnaby Joyce’s office right now. That’s what’s been reported. The ambassador for Israel is in Barnaby Joyce’s office. Is that because there are concerns about the impact of our trading relationships with countries that are opposed to moving our embassy to Jerusalem, or is it that Mr Joyce is actually getting the support outside this parliament—
Senator Hanson: A point of order: the question from Senator Hanson-Young has got nothing to do with the amendment before this chamber. It’s got nothing to do with whether the embassy is going to Jerusalem or not. That is not what is before this chamber. With limited time, I suggest we go back to the bill before us and ask questions on that.
The TEMPORARY CHAIR: There is no point of order.
Senator HANSON-YOUNG: Could the minister please explain what the ambassador for Israel is doing in Mr Joyce’s office? Is it because he’s soon to become the Deputy PM?
The TEMPORARY CHAIR: Senator Hanson-Young, I will make a ruling there: that is not relevant to the amendment in front of the Senate at the moment. I give the call to Senator Patrick.