Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

First, I would say to the senator that the fact that an objection was not made previously is no answer to a ruling now. Second—and I would say this to the minister, too—regardless of who is in the chair, if a senator is asked to withdraw, the convention is that the senator complies. I would invite the government minister to encourage the senator to comply. If the senator fails to comply then, obviously, the option for the Acting Deputy President is to report the matter to the President, but I would really encourage the government senator, Senator Henderson, not to go down this path. We all have to withdraw at times; I've withdrawn lots of things over many years!

Senator Sterle interjecting—

Senator Sterle, I reckon you might even have had to do more! I understand there's a political contest, but I would encourage Senator Henderson to comply with the request of the Acting Deputy President.