Brian Burston (NSW, United Australia Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Standing Committee of Privileges for inquiry and report:

Having regard to the matters raised by Senator Burston in correspondence tabled by the President on 16 October 2018:

(a) whether, by removing him from positions within Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party and pressing him to resign from the Senate, Senator Hanson or any other person has sought to improperly interfere with the free performance of his duties as a senator or to penalise him for his conduct as a senator; and

(b) if so, whether any contempt was committed in that regard.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Acknowledging the statement made by you, Mr President, in the chamber yesterday, the government supports the referral of this matter to the Privileges Committee. Supporting the referral of this matter to the Privileges Committee does not prejudice the matters which have been raised, which should be assessed and dealt with through the proper and appropriate process.

Question agreed to.