Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
3:21 pm
I seek leave to make a personal explanation.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
Most definitely, I do.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
During question time today, the Attorney-General launched what, in my judgement, is an unprecedented, completely unfounded attack, and on a topic which—
Milton Dick Speaker
Order! The member for Gellibrand will remain silent while the Leader of the Opposition is on his feet.
Peter Dutton Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
It was on a topic, Mr Speaker, of the highest sensitivity. If there was some foundation to his claim, if there was some shred of truth or credibility to what he had said, then I would be happy to take the criticism, but it is the complete opposite of what I believe in and of what I have practised my entire life. I have been to many Holocaust museums, and I find it one of the most emotionally difficult issues to deal with, when you read through the history and see the consequences, even today, on people of Jewish faith. That somebody of the Attorney-General's standing would seek to use this issue to his political advantage, I think, reflects very poorly on him. I bring that to your attention because I find it the most egregious breach that I have seen, frankly, of the standing orders and the standards of decency in this parliament.
Honourable members interjecting—
Milton Dick Speaker
The member for Lalor and the member for Moreton will cease interjecting and are both warned.
The member for Wannon has not indicated to me that he is seeking the call for a personal explanation.
The member for Wannon has been here long enough to know that that is not the process that occurs. But, out of respect for him, I will give him the call.
Milton Dick Speaker
Member for Wannon, do you claim to have been misrepresented?
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
I do.
Dan Tehan Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
The Attorney-General accused not only the Leader of the Opposition but all members of the coalition of not having done anything when it comes to calling out Neo-Nazis, Nazis et cetera, So it was directed not only at the Leader of the Opposition but at every member of the coalition.
Milton Dick Speaker
Resume your seat. I want to hear from the Leader of the House.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
While respecting the sensitivity of the issue, it has generally been the case that if the comment refers to a party or an opposition generally then this standing order is not available—otherwise, at the end of question time, we'd all be up.
Milton Dick Speaker
I just remind members: if you want to seek an explanation, it is a courtesy to let the Speaker know beforehand.