John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the 129th report of the Committee of Privileges entitled Person referred to in the Senate: Dr Clive Hamilton.

Ordered that the report be printed.

I move:

That the report be adopted.

This report is the 49th in a series of reports recommending that a right of reply be afforded to persons who claim to have been adversely affected by being referred to, either by name or in such a way as to be readily identified, in the Senate.

On 25 October 2006, the President received a submission from Dr Clive Hamilton relating to comments made by Senator Eric Abetz in the Senate on 18 October 2006 during question time. The President referred the submission to the committee under privilege resolution 5. The committee considered the submission on 7 November 2006 and recommends that Dr Hamilton’s proposed response, as agreed by the committee and Dr Hamilton, be incorporated in Hansard.

The committee reminds the Senate that in matters of this nature it does not judge the truth or otherwise of statements made by honourable senators or the persons referred to. Rather, it ensures that these persons’ submissions, and ultimately the responses it recommends, accord with the criteria set out in privilege resolution 5.

I commend the motion to the Senate.