Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report by 12 May 2026:

The appropriateness of amending standing order 35 to reduce witness filibustering and deflection in committee hearings, with particular reference to:

(a) the appropriateness of adding the following provisions to standing order 35:

"(4) A questioning senator may at any time interrupt a witness and take back the call from the witness for the purpose of either pressing for an answer or to ask another question.

(5) The witness must cease speaking whenever a senator reclaims the call.

(6) Any interjections after a senator reclaims the call are to be ruled disorderly by the chair.

(7) Witnesses are entitled to write to the committee furnishing any relevant additional information that was unable to be presented because of a senator reclaiming the call."; and

(b) any other related matters.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Roberts, be agreed to.