Senator WATT (Queensland) (14:50): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Fierravanti-Wells. Yesterday, in defending her understanding of the government’s misleading argument against Labor’s sensible reform of excess dividend imputation cash refunds, the minister said:—

Government senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT: Order on my right.

Senator WATT: ‘More than half of all refunded franking credits are paid to individuals who earn less than the $18,200 tax-free threshold.’ Given the minister’s explanation was clearly wrong, can she explain how superannuation payouts and drawdowns of savings other than superannuation to fund retirement are treated? How does this impact on the misleading argument the minister attempted to make yesterday?

The PRESIDENT: Senator Cormann on a point of order.

Opposition senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT: Order on my left, Senator Watt, Senator Carr, Senator Bilyk.

Senator Cormann: I would invite you to consider whether the question that was at the end of the question was actually related to the minister’s portfolio. I would put it to you that it wasn’t.

Opposition senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT: Order on my left. I will hear from Senator Wong now.

Senator Wong: On the point of order, we are referencing a statement she made in question time yesterday, and the question goes directly to the statement she made, which was wrong. If she’d like to correct it without us asking a question, we’re open to that.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Cormann?

Senator Cormann: On the point of order, whatever was referenced in the preamble, it was not what the question was about. The question did not relate to the minister’s portfolio responsibilities.

The PRESIDENT: I will hear from Senator Wong and then I will rule.

Senator Wong: It is clear precedent that a minister can be asked about statements she or he has made. Senator Cormann, listen to the question. It was directly relevant to the misleading statement that she made yesterday.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, I’m prepared to rule on this. Ministers are allowed to be questioned about statements they have made, including in the chamber. That part of the question was entirely in order. The question was substantial. Ministers are entitled to address parts of the question as they see fit. I cannot direct a minister how to answer any part of a question. But I remind senators that the question was lengthy, and the minister is entitled to address parts of it. I cannot direct her to address all of it. Senator Fierravanti-Wells.