David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday the member for Grayndler raised as a matter of privilege remarks made by the member for Moreton in the House on 11 September about an Australian Federal Police investigation of three Liberal Party members of the House from Queensland. The ability of members to be able to raise in the House matters that are of concern to them in a frank way is fundamental. However, it is recognised that the freedom of speech which members enjoy in the House should be exercised carefully and in conformity with the rules of the House, particularly with regard to criticisms of the character and conduct of individuals. The House has a specific procedure that allows a person who has been referred to in a debate in the House to make a submission claiming that he or she has been adversely affected by the remarks and to seek a response to be incorporated in the parliamentary record.

Having made those general comments about the conduct of debate and the use of freedom of speech, I see no issue of privilege in the matter referred to by the member for Grayndler. I also note there is a responsibility on members to ensure that only serious matters are raised as matters of privilege and that there is not a misuse of this very important form of the House.

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