Julian Hill (Bruce, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests—whether:

(1) the concerns notice issued to the Member for Bruce on behalf of Mr John Margerison foreshadows court proceedings that could not be pursued without breaching parliamentary privilege, such that the House should express a view on this matter, and intervene if court proceedings are commenced, in order to protect parliamentary privilege and the ability of this House and its members to undertake their work; and

(2) the threat of this legal action may constitute a contempt of this House by way of improper interference with the free exercise of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit's authority or functions and of the Member for Bruce's duties as a Member and as the Chair of the Committee, and may be seen to set a precedent if not addressed by the House.

Question agreed to.