Cory Bernardi SA, Australian Conservatives
12:28 pm
I move:
That the Senate notes that—
(a) a number of senators are White Ribbon Ambassadors, or have tabled motions supporting campaigns to stop violence against women and domestic violence; and
(b) a statement on the White Ribbon Australia website states they advocate for "nationally consistent access to safe and legal abortion, including late-term abortion in all states and territories", and if senators have a concern about that stance, they ought to take it up with White Ribbon Australia.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party
12:29 pm
I find the interpretation of paragraph (b) difficult. I wonder if the mover can clarify it for me. The motion reads:
That the Senate notes that—
… … …
(b) a statement on the White Ribbon Australia website …
And it goes on to say:
… and if senators have a concern about that stance, they ought to take it up with White Ribbon Australia.
Is that on the website? Is that how that reads? The statement on the White Ribbon Australia website states whatever—is 'and if senators have a concern' on the White Ribbon website?
Cory Bernardi SA, Australian Conservatives
I would like to clarify that for Senator Macdonald: no, the quotation marks are an indication of what is on the website, hence the semicolon.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
With notices of motion, these matters should probably be sorted out outside the chamber. I will put the motion now. The question is that notice of motion No. 584, standing in the name of Senator Bernardi, be agreed to.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
12:34 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Leave not granted.
You bunch of misogynistic—
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
This is about rape victims having access to safe and legal abortion. That's what you just voted against.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
Senator Hanson-Young! Order!
Senator Hanson-Young interjecting—
Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—
Senator Hanson-Young and Senator Macdonald! Senator Bernardi is on his feet. Order!
Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—
Senator Macdonald, order, please. Senator Cameron on a point of order?
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
Senator Macdonald called Senator Sarah Hanson-Young a dill and a dope. He should withdraw.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
I did not hear that in the screaming across the chamber. If Senator Macdonald did do that, he should, but I did not hear it. I cannot attest to your claim, Senator Cameron.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party
I didn't call her a dill and a dope, just a dill, but I think everyone in this chamber would agree with me.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
Senator Macdonald, I understand you need to withdraw that. I think it was personally directed.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party
Calling someone a dill is unparliamentary, whereas calling someone a misogynist, as Senator Hanson-Young did—wrongly; she doesn't understand the motion—is parliamentary? Calling someone a misogynist is parliamentary? Calling her a dill is unparliamentary? What sort of ruling is that?
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
All reflections are disorderly, Senator Macdonald. I've taken some advice. There are differences between reflections that are collective and individual, but I will withdraw my ruling on that. But I ask all senators, whether they are making collective or personal attributions to others, to keep the tone of debate in mind.