Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
3:04 pm
by leave—Mr President, I wish to draw to your attention a matter which occurred in question time.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party
You can't just stand up and have a chat.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Macdonald, Senator Wong will be heard in silence.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Mr President, I appreciate that and I thank the Senate. In answer to a question asked by Senator Bilyk, opposition senators heard the Attorney suggest that she was about to commit a crime.
Government senators interjecting—
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
That is exactly what he said.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I would ask you, Mr President, to consider if that is an infringement on Senator Bilyk's privilege as a senator and whether it is consistent with the Senate standing orders. It is not a threat that belongs in the Senate.
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
by leave—That statement is false.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I seek leave to make a small statement.
Government senators: A small statement?
A short statement.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
That statement was false. He clearly attempted to intimidate the senator asking the question with the threat of criminal sanctions and started quoting the Royal Commission Act.
Senator Brandis interjecting—
That is exactly what you did, Senator Brandis. You are a bully and you should apologise and withdraw.
Stephen Parry President
Order! Senator Conroy, you will have to withdraw that remark about Senator Brandis.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I withdraw.
Stephen Parry President
Thank you. In relation to the issue raised by Senator Wong, I will consider the Hansard and the visual footage of the chamber.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Too much of a coward to put it on the record.
Stephen Parry President
Order! Senator Conroy, if you want these matters dealt with properly, just listen to my ruling. In relation to that matter and also the matter in relation to Senator Heffernan, I will withdraw all the footage from question time and also what Hansard may have detected and I will then report back to the Senate if I deem it necessary.
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment
Mr President, I would invite you to ask Senator Conroy to yet again withdraw the comment that he passed across the chamber to Senator Brandis.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I withdraw.