Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

Look, I did not interrupt you, Senator Abetz, so I would appreciate your not engaging in a cross-debate. There have been circumstances in the past on both sides during question time where individuals have posed questions, and indeed supplementary questions, in an incorrect way and they have been ruled out of order. They have been asked to sit down, they do, and the next question is brought on from whichever side that should be. I agree with the views that you have offered, Mr President. In terms of the Procedure Committee, Senator Abetz wants to refer it there. The Procedure Committee can deal with the issue if they so determine. I, on this side of the chamber, support your ruling and, with due respect to the opposition, frankly I think there are too many lawyers over there. We got ourselves into the position of a very lengthy debate which, unfortunately, wasted a considerable amount of question time—I think approximately 20 minutes; that is unfortunate, but people are entitled to give their views. But, unfortunately, that did occur. If the Procedure Committee wants to deal with the issue, then so be it, but I think you are to be congratulated on your ruling and it was appropriate and correct under the standing orders.