Senate debates

Thursday, 7 July 2011

Parliamentary Office Holders

Photo of Bob BrownBob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I asked the President to report to the chamber on two points of order on procedures, including interruptions to the Clerk during the process of electing the President and indeed you as Deputy President. I was wondering if we could have a progress report on those two requests before the Senate rises.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Brown. The President will report back if there is anything to report to the chamber.

Photo of Ian MacdonaldIan Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I wish to raise a point of order as well. During this morning's session it was pointed out that Senator Brown was in default of standing order 185(1). It was drawn to the attention of the Acting Deputy President at the time. Senator Brown walked in and out of the chamber, deliberately not acknowledging the President. I was wondering if you might refer this intolerable behaviour to the President and get the President to give a ruling, perhaps even to the extent of excluding the senator from the chamber until such time as he learns some manners.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Macdonald. The chair at the time did raise the matter with the Senate. Can I just remind senators of the standing orders and the observance thereof.