Senator WEST —My question is directed to the Minister for Social Security. Is it true that Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler—a market research company based in Brisbane—is ringing people who are DSS customers, beginning their call with words to the effect of, `Since you are a client of DSS, we are interested in . . . ' et cetera? How would Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler get the names, addresses and/or phone numbers of these DSS customers? Is this company conducting market research for the Department of Social Security? If so, did these DSS customers agree to participate in this survey?

Senator NEWMAN —As occurred under the previous government, consultants are employed by various government departments to do market research and associated matters. I cannot say today whether this particular company has been given a contract by the Department of Social Security. Certainly, I am very happy to get that information and come back to the Senate with it.

Senator Faulkner —On a point of order, Madam President: we not only have the practice of Senator Newman refusing to answer questions when she is a minister representing a portfolio minister in the House of Representatives. Now she is refusing to answer any question on her own portfolio of social security.

The PRESIDENT —Senator Faulkner, that is a debating matter. It is not a point of order.

Senator Alston —Madam President—

The PRESIDENT —I have ruled on the point of order.

Senator Alston —Yes, but I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Senator Faulkner seems to think he is able, under the guise of a point of order, to grossly abuse the processes of this chamber. Madam President, can I suggest that he is on his last warning?

The PRESIDENT —Order! There is a lot of question time being wasted this afternoon.

Senator WEST —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Minister, if it emerges that this information has been released without obtaining the consent of DSS customers, will you take action to ensure that, in future, confidential information is properly protected?

Senator NEWMAN —I have always believed strongly in the protection of the rights of individuals, as Senator West would know. In addition, the department is very severely constrained by privacy laws which are right and proper. If there has been any breach of any requirements, I will certainly come back to inform the Senate.