Scott Ryan (President) | Hansard source

I would like to make a brief statement to the chamber. The statement I'm about to make is not a reflection on the previous question, but I'm going to take this opportunity to remind senators of two elements in the standing orders. Standing order 73 says, 'Questions shall not contain imputations.' Standing order 1933 includes the following phrase:

… all imputations of improper motives and all personal reflections on those Houses—

that includes the other house of this parliament—

members or officers shall be considered highly disorderly.

So, while I'm not making an observation about the previous question, I would like the senators to keep that in mind when asking questions about any matter that may involve an imputation or improper reflection upon a member of another place.