House debates Personal Explanations

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 House of Representatives

Kelvin Thomson

Kelvin Thomson Wills, Australian Labor Party

3:23 pm

I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Does the member claim to have been misrepresented?

Kelvin Thomson

Kelvin Thomson Wills, Australian Labor Party

Yes, Mr Speaker.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

The member for Wills may proceed.

Kelvin Thomson

Kelvin Thomson Wills, Australian Labor Party

In the Age today the member for Dawson is reported to have criticised me for blaming Australian farmers but not saying anything on the question of religion. This is incorrect on both counts. I have spoken in parliament on the live cattle exports issue on three occasions over the past three weeks. A reading of my speeches will reveal that I have made no criticisms of Australian farmers whatsoever. On the other hand, I have expressly raised the issue of religion, stating religious convictions do not give anyone a licence to depart from basic standards of decency and humanity.

Josh Frydenberg

Josh Frydenberg Kooyong, Liberal Party

I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Does the member claim to have been misrepresented?

Josh Frydenberg

Josh Frydenberg Kooyong, Liberal Party

Outrageously, Mr Speaker.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

The member for Kooyong may proceed.

Josh Frydenberg

Josh Frydenberg Kooyong, Liberal Party

In question time today the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government spread a litany of falsehoods.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

The member will not debate.

Josh Frydenberg

Josh Frydenberg Kooyong, Liberal Party

But I was most offended by the claim that I had briefed Michelle Grattan. He should know better. A speech in the parliament is available to the whole press gallery. It just happens that Michelle Grattan is among the most forensic and attentive.

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Order! It is days like today when I regret that I cannot see the reaction of the gallery behind and above me.