House debates Statements by Members
Electoral System
Jerome Laxale Bennelong, Australian Labor Party
1:59 pm
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters resolved to require the attendance of Mr Bruce Hales and Mr Gareth Hales, senior leaders of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, to give evidence. Reports over the past year have been alarming. They show senior Brethren members at the heart of organising flooding of election booths. They show senior members of the church organising known agitators and Nazi associates to track the Prime Minister, harass candidates and disrupt our democracy. These are serious matters, and the Brethren need to show up and fess up. The health of our democracy is an issue that should be above politics. There should be unanimous condemnation of this behaviour, and there should be a united front to take steps to address it. But that is not the case. The Liberal Party have not condemned the Brethren. Instead, the Liberal Party call the Brethren 'a support group'. That needs to change.
Milton Dick Speaker
In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded. The member for Barker, a point of order?
Tony Pasin Barker, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister Assisting for Fisheries and Forestry
One of the members opposite made an unparliamentary remark, and I ask that he withdraw it.
Milton Dick Speaker
If a member has made an unparliamentary remark, whoever that was, may I ask them to step forward and withdraw.
Sam Rae Hawke, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
In order to assist the House, I withdraw.
Milton Dick Speaker
Like we did yesterday—the same rules will apply. We'll get the member to withdraw.
Sam Rae Hawke, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
I withdraw.