Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Just before I call the minister, I'm going to say that any questions can be answered, but, as a matter of principle on behalf of all members of the House of Representatives, there is absolutely no obligation to comply with a Senate order. That's an important principle. Indeed, there have been requests in the past that members of this House appear at Senate hearings. Former Prime Minister Keating responded more colourfully than I am now.

And I'm just going to say on behalf of all members of this House: the Senate has no business seeking members of this House to comply with anything they seek to do. As you can tell, my attitude to the first part of the question—

Mr Gosling interjecting—

The member for Solomon, if you want to go and be a senator, go for your life. The member for Hindmarsh, on a point of order?

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