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

Mr President, on the point of order: I do not know if you have noticed—I certainly have—that there is an extraordinary amount of commentary coming from the other side of the chamber while Senator Conroy has been on his feet. I note that those asking questions from the opposition have been heard in respectful silence. I note that the minister has hardly been able to get a word in edgeways and, finally, I note, and ask you to rule on the fact, that I would not have taken this point of order except that, during the first sentence in answer to the primary question asked, Senator Abetz loudly interjected across the chamber, ‘Answer the question.’ I would respectfully suggest to you, Mr President, that the opposition have been most disorderly while Senator Conroy has been on his feet.