Senate debates

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Motions

White Ribbon Australia

12:28 pm

Photo of Cory BernardiCory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate notes that—

(a) a number of senators are White Ribbon Ambassadors, or have tabled motions supporting campaigns to stop violence against women and domestic violence; and

(b) a statement on the White Ribbon Australia website states they advocate for "nationally consistent access to safe and legal abortion, including late-term abortion in all states and territories", and if senators have a concern about that stance, they ought to take it up with White Ribbon Australia.

12:29 pm

Photo of Ian MacdonaldIan Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I find the interpretation of paragraph (b) difficult. I wonder if the mover can clarify it for me. The motion reads:

That the Senate notes that—

…   …   …

(b) a statement on the White Ribbon Australia website …

And it goes on to say:

… and if senators have a concern about that stance, they ought to take it up with White Ribbon Australia.

Is that on the website? Is that how that reads? The statement on the White Ribbon Australia website states whatever—is 'and if senators have a concern' on the White Ribbon website?

Photo of Cory BernardiCory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | | Hansard source

I would like to clarify that for Senator Macdonald: no, the quotation marks are an indication of what is on the website, hence the semicolon.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

With notices of motion, these matters should probably be sorted out outside the chamber. I will put the motion now. The question is that notice of motion No. 584, standing in the name of Senator Bernardi, be agreed to.

12:34 pm

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave not granted.

You bunch of misogynistic—

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young!

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

This is about rape victims having access to safe and legal abortion. That's what you just voted against.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young! Order!

Senator Hanson-Young interjecting

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting

Senator Hanson-Young and Senator Macdonald! Senator Bernardi is on his feet. Order!

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting

Senator Macdonald, order, please. Senator Cameron on a point of order?

Photo of Doug CameronDoug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Macdonald called Senator Sarah Hanson-Young a dill and a dope. He should withdraw.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

I did not hear that in the screaming across the chamber. If Senator Macdonald did do that, he should, but I did not hear it. I cannot attest to your claim, Senator Cameron.

Photo of Ian MacdonaldIan Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I didn't call her a dill and a dope, just a dill, but I think everyone in this chamber would agree with me.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Macdonald, I understand you need to withdraw that. I think it was personally directed.

Photo of Ian MacdonaldIan Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Calling someone a dill is unparliamentary, whereas calling someone a misogynist, as Senator Hanson-Young did—wrongly; she doesn't understand the motion—is parliamentary? Calling someone a misogynist is parliamentary? Calling her a dill is unparliamentary? What sort of ruling is that?

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | | Hansard source

All reflections are disorderly, Senator Macdonald. I've taken some advice. There are differences between reflections that are collective and individual, but I will withdraw my ruling on that. But I ask all senators, whether they are making collective or personal attributions to others, to keep the tone of debate in mind.