Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, on the point of order: I would put to you that you have denied Senator Abetz the opportunity to ask his question of the chairman of the economics committee as a result of your interpretation of standing orders 72(1) and (2). I would therefore submit to you that it is proper that you now give Senator Abetz the opportunity to ask a question of a minister. That is the proper order of events. You denied him the opportunity to ask his question properly of the chairman of the economics committee. Now it is proper that you give the opposition the opportunity to ask a question according to the standing orders, under your interpretation, of a minister.