Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia) Share this | Hansard source

. And perhaps next time you will think twice before you curtail debate in the chamber.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (20:25): Senator Macdonald, you should address your remarks to the chair and not engage in an exchange with Senator Ludlam.

I am sorry, Mr Chairman. I have been attacked by Senator Ludlam by way of interjection. I seek your guidance as chair to protect me from these penetrating interjections which are, of course, disorderly. I have been distracted from what I am saying. I repeat: this is a very important debate. It is being followed in every office of this building and the people of Australia are listening. It is not a debate which should be rushed. Senator Abetz's amendment should be dealt with properly. We have three days set aside for a discussion on bills so I ask the parliamentary secretary to agree to come back on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Of course, we will all be here because that is what the rules and regulations of the parliament say.