Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Acting Deputy President, I rise on a point of order. It is a point of order that I do not expect a ruling on now, but I would seek to draw to your attention that the official tape of the Hansard does disclose Senator Carr saying the words alleged by Senator Kemp during question time through his point of order. I therefore ask the President to consider whether that language was in fact unparliamentary and should be withdrawn.

The second matter that I would raise for consideration by the President is this. On that point of order being raised by Senator Kemp, Senator Evans asserted that Senator Kemp’s statement was untrue, was verballing the minister and vexatious in circumstances where the tape now clearly bears out every single point made by Senator Kemp. In those circumstances, I believe Senator Evans should be asked to withdraw making that allegation against Senator Kemp. I do not need a ruling now, Mr Acting Deputy President, I realise it may put you in a difficult position, but I think that the matter should be dealt with after review of the tape.