George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

On a point of order, Mr Acting Deputy President, Senator Joyce referred you to standing order 203(1)(c)—that is, the refusal to withdraw objectionable words. But might I also direct you to standing order 203(1)(e): if a senator ‘persistently and wilfully disregards the authority of the chair’. That would seem to be the most applicable subparagraph of standing order 203. Senator Brown is debating your ruling. On four occasions now, in the clearest terms, you have asked Senator Brown to withdraw his words, and in the clearest terms Senator Brown has refused to withdraw his words. There could not be a clearer instance, if I may say so, with respect, of a senator persistently and wilfully disregarding the authority of the chair. Might I respectfully submit, Mr Acting Deputy President, that in those circumstances you should conclude that there has at least been a breach of standing order 203(1)(e) and take the course prescribed by that standing order.