Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before moving to the next item of business, I would like to return to the matter raised by Senator Macdonald and the subsequent point of order raised by Senator Faulkner. Senator Macdonald, you raised a matter for which you would not need leave if it had been correct under standing order 191, 'Explanation of speeches'. Because it was not in the context of a speech that you were involved in or a speech given—it was more relating to a question—standing order 191 is not applicable. But Senator Faulkner was right in his point of order that 190 is applicable. Senator Faulkner also alluded to the fact that traditionally these things happen after taking note. That may or may not be correct. It has happened on many occasions. You do have the right, though, Senator Macdonald, to seek leave at any time to make a personal explanation. In giving that personal explanation you may not debate the issue. Senator Macdonald, the matter is in your hands. You have already canvassed the matter to the chamber, but if you wish to seek leave to make a personal explanation I will have that now if you would like to deal with it now.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Deputy President. I can only accept your ruling whilst disagreeing with it. I accept your ruling and perhaps another time we could have a debate on this. Senator Moore was quoting a speech—

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Macdonald, are you now seeking leave under standing order 190?

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will seek leave. It is not really a personal explanation but, in view of your ruling, I will seek leave under standing order 190 to make a personal explanation.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is leave granted?

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

Normally it would not be granted at this time. It will be after taking note.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, we are not granting it at this time, I'm sorry.

Leave not granted.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I raise a point of order. Mr Deputy President, if the point being raised by the opposition is that we should move on immediately to the debate on question time, why then have we just had 15 minutes by Senator Singh—

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is not a point of order, Senator Macdonald.