Guy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am willing to make a ruling. Prior to you standing to take a point of order, Senator Brandis, I was reading the wording of the matter of public importance, which does say, and I repeat it for the sake of the Senate:

The need for the Federal Government to intervene, by way of wasteful spending to compensate for the policy failures of the New South Wales Labor Government.

I listened intently to Senator Williams and believe that his comments were in order. I draw Senator Hutchins’s attention to the motion. Matters of public importance are dealt with in a liberal manner, and I will continue with that convention for the time being, but I draw your attention to the fact that I will be listening intently to your comments, Senator Hutchins.