John Hogg (President) Share this | Hansard source

No, I have not yet ruled on the point of order raised by you. Let me say that there are some difficulties in the issue that you raise. The difficulty is that in terms of the words ‘short statement’ I have no definition, no clarity, other than the precedents before me in this chamber where people have sought leave to make short statements, and those short statements have varied in length. Having said that, I am cognisant of the fact that this matter is before the Procedure Committee by way of representation tomorrow. I understand that I cannot sit a senator down and stop them from addressing the chair in this matter. It is clearly something that needs to be resolved if people are to seek leave to make short statements before the chair. It is very difficult to impose on the chair what actually constitutes a short statement. In those circumstances, Senator Ellison, whilst I hear your point of order, I am sure that this matter will be taken up before the Procedure Committee tomorrow and I cannot rule in favour of your point of order other than to call Senator Carr, who had the call and was on his feet.