Michael Forshaw (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I was planning to wind up, which is why I was ignoring Senator Macdonald. He may wish to seek leave for you to preside at another event, but you will not need that of course. I want to conclude by saying that I think it is disingenuous to put forward the argument that was put forward by Senator Abetz, and subsequently Senator Ellison, without having regard to all the understandings that exist in this place about how question time operates and without referring to all of the debate, including your clear advice and invitation to the opposition that they would be able to seek leave when their turn to ask a question came again. I think it was a reflection on your ruling to suggest that you denied a senator the opportunity to seek leave.