Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Hansard source

While I am on my feet, I would like to answer the matter yesterday regarding unparliamentary language. I have reviewed yesterday’s Hansard. The Minister for Ageing made an accusation against Senator McLucas which I regard as imputing an improper motive. I asked him to withdraw it, which he did unreservedly. The accusation that a senator was abusing elderly people in our aged-care facilities is open to two interpretations. The first impression is that Senator McLucas was scaremongering in relation to aged care. The other interpretation is that Senator McLucas is literally abusing aged people, presumably psychologically. On the first interpretation, the remarks definitely impute improper motives. On the second interpretation, the remarks are certainly highly offensive and unparliamentary. There is no further action necessary from the chair, since Senator Santoro has already withdrawn the imputation. However, I would like to remind senators that everything they say in the chamber is recorded and broadcast. Strong political points can always be made without resorting to intemperate language.