Senate debates Bills
Plebiscite (Allowing Australians to Decide Who Comes Here) Bill 2018; First Reading
Fraser Anning Queensland, Independent
5:08 pm
I move:
That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to provide for a plebiscite at the next general election in relation to migration to Australia, and for related purposes. Plebiscite (Allowing Australians to Decide Who Comes Here) Bill 2018.
Question agreed to.
I present the bill and move:
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
Question negatived.
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Leave not granted.
All right, that'll be two for you next time.
Rachel Siewert WA, Australian Greens
There was just a threat delivered across the chamber by Senator Anning when leave was denied. It's ridiculous that we are getting to the point where threats can be made very audibly across the chamber.
Rachel Siewert WA, Australian Greens
To ask the senator to withdraw what he just said across the chamber. It was definitely a threat.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party
Point of order: the threat—if I heard it correctly, and I may not have—was simply, 'I will deny you leave in the future.' That's hardly a threat.
Deborah O'Neill NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Innovation
5:10 pm
I'm seeking leave to make a short statement in relation to comments that were just targeted at Senator Siewert and the Greens across the chamber. As a woman sitting in this chamber at this time—
Leave not granted.
I will take a point of order then. The language used by Senator Anning was outrageous and intimidatory, and he should not be allowed to make—
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Senator O'Neill, please resume your seat. Senator Bernardi.
Cory Bernardi SA, Australian Conservatives
I'm just seeking clarification. I was deep in conversation when—
Opposition senators interjecting—
Cory Bernardi SA, Australian Conservatives
This was the introduction of a bill, and it was read a first time. I just want to confirm: was leave denied to read the bill a second time. I missed that bit.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
It was denied at first reading. I called it for the noes. I did not hear the remarks by Senator Anning, but we've had two senators claim there were objectionable remarks made. Senator Anning, if you did make objectionable remarks, I'd ask you to withdraw.
Fraser Anning Queensland, Independent
I didn't make any remark that was objectionable.