Grant Chapman (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a personal explanation regarding misrepresentation.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Chapman, I understand the procedure normally is that, if you claim to have been misrepresented, it takes place at the conclusion of taking note of answers. The government have indicated they will give you leave at that stage.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I raise a point of order. Is leave required on that issue? Senator Faulkner always used to take this point when he was in opposition because he wanted to get straight on with the great attacks on the then government. However, I am sure that we on this side would not object to Senator Chapman doing it now.

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, on a point of order: there is great virtue in consistency of process and procedures and, just because we find ourselves on different sides of the chamber, we should be consistent.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Faulkner, I intend to be consistent. Senator Chapman does have to seek leave to claim he was misrepresented and the normal procedure is that that takes place after the taking note of answers.