Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, thank you for the protection. This bully sitting there who thinks he can shout while I am speaking and intimidate me has another think coming. I have been intimidated by better people than Senator Evans, and his shouting will not in any way interfere with what I have to say and I will continue to say it.

On the threat of the Labor Party making the committee inquorate, which means we could not have decided anything, the vote was held as the bells started to ring. We have had lots of advice—fortunately not from Senator Evans, who would not have a clue—on what should and should not happen. Senator Conroy and Senator Lundy later wasted much time on this matter but, as it turns out, it was pointed out to us that, under the standing rules of the Senate—like every other committee, this committee meets regularly each week and has met regularly each week for years and years but without the approval of the Senate—unless there is total agreement, the committee does not operate. So, getting to the bottom line first, the whole thing was a farce.