Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

This Senate, frankly, in the way in conducts itself at the moment, is an embarrassment to the nation. The way that we conduct ourselves in this chamber is an absolute embarrassment. Yesterday was an all-time low, and it seems that, at 10 minutes past 12, we're sinking into exactly the same kind of conduct. All I am saying to you, Senator Lambie, is that if you are going to move a motion like this—a suspension—it is common courtesy in this chamber to give a heads-up so that people can be prepared in order to respond respectfully to the issues that you raise. That has not been afforded, and I have tried to get as much information as I can in the last 10 minutes about the issue you raised.

This matter, which is currently before the courts, remains in its early stages. It is standard practice for preliminary issues to be addressed through the court to clarify and confirm aspects of the claim. This ensures that the proceedings can be managed appropriately. I am not in a position to comment any further or, indeed, even to respond to some of the allegations that have been raised in this chamber by Senator Shoebridge and Senator Lambie, as the Commonwealth has not yet put a position to the court, and disclosing details could prejudice the court proceedings and impact legal professional privilege. There was a time when this chamber would have listened to that and respected that. I accept that the Senate has moved way beyond operating in that world, and we've seen plenty of evidence of that. I know that this issue was raised in estimates. The CDF, Admiral Johnston—

If I could just finish without being shouted at by other senators, Admiral Johnston has been clear about the supportive approach the ADF seeks to provide to women who serve in the ADF.