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

Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy President. Standing order 193(3) says:

(3) A senator shall not use offensive words against either House of Parliament or of a House of a state or territory parliament, or any member of such House, or against a judicial officer, and all imputations of improper motives and all personal reflections on those Houses, members or officers shall be considered highly disorderly.

Contrary to what Senator McKim represented, what Senator Hanson-Young said was that Mr Joyce was not fit to occupy the offices that he has occupied: not eligibility—not a legal question—but fitness, and that is plainly a reflection upon his character.