House debates Statements

Personal Explanation

Wednesday, 2 August 2023 House of Representatives

Russell Broadbent

Russell Broadbent Monash, Liberal Party

3:20 pm

Referring to standing order 90, I have a personal explanation.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Do you claim to have been misrepresented?

Russell Broadbent

Russell Broadbent Monash, Liberal Party

Most grievously, Your Honour. Most grievously.

Russell Broadbent

Russell Broadbent Monash, Liberal Party

Earlier in question time today, the Prime Minister claimed that the current distress of the Australian people was enjoyed by the opposition because it was good for us politically. This is a gross imputation of improper motives. I, being a part of His Majesty's opposition, am sorely offended by these remarks of the Prime Minister. These remarks should be considered highly disorderly, according to standing order 90.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

The member will pause. The Leader of the House.

Mr Tony Burke

Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

It has always been the case with respect to making a personal explanation that you can't do it with respect to something that is general. It has to be a personal reference. That has always been the case. That's what the standing order specifies as well.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

There are other forms in the House through which the member can correct the record. The member for Monash on another point of order.

Russell Broadbent

Russell Broadbent Monash, Liberal Party

I took it personally.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

I thank the member. We'll move to the MPI.