George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

You know, Senator Watt, this is the third opposition question today, and I challenged the first two opposition questioners to engage in a serious policy debate, and there you go again. Senator Watt, you are a new senator. I welcome you to the chamber. I am sure we will have a good, cordial relationship, but can I give you a tip? You do not have to read out every silly question given to you by your questions committee—you don't. The next time Senator Wong says, 'Senator Watt, just read this out,' you should say to her, 'Senator Wong, I want to debate policy. I'm not a political hack like so many Labor senators. I'm a serious person with a serious intellect, and I want to ask policy questions.' That is what you ought to do, Senator Watt, because, if you ask policy questions, we can have a debate, and you will get answers. But, until the day comes when you can rise above political gossip, then we will not have that debate.