Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Hanson, can I just consult with the clerks. There is no point of order, Senator Patrick. When the rules for remote participation operate, the system is available to senators prevented from attending the Senate because of COVID-19 related travel restrictions, quarantine requirements or personal health advice. While the basis for the rules applying to an individual will sometimes be readily apparent, particularly when border restrictions or quarantine requirements are in place, it is not the practice of the President and Deputy President to inquire into the nature of the personal health advice an individual senator may have. By seeking to participate remotely, individual senators are representing to the Senate that they fall within the ambit of the rules, and the chair takes that at face value. It is for individual senators to determine the extent to which they wish to explain the basis on which they are participating remotely.