John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, on the point of order: I do not believe that there is any accuracy in the statement that Senator Ferguson has made, though I do accept that an opportunity for you to reflect on the Hansard record is probably a sensible course of action for you to take. The words that appeared to upset some members of the opposition went to a description of ‘personal characteristics’. They were the words used, I believe, by my leader in this chamber. I actually happen to believe that it was the interpretation that members of the opposition had about those words that is critical. I do not believe that, under any circumstances, that terminology be considered to be unparliamentary. It is merely an interpretation that some members of the opposition have. However, the substantive point that Senator Ferguson raises in relation to reflecting on the actual Hansard transcript is, I suppose, a sensible way to go in these circumstances.