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

Mr Deputy President, I rise on a point of order going to the nature of the ruling that you make. I appreciate you reading out the report of the Procedure Committee. It is important for the Senate to understand that this relates to statements that are made at the time of discovery of formal business and when we are dealing with general business notices of motion. It has become the practice of the Senate for senators, either concerned about a motion or moving a motion, to seek leave to make a statement. The clarification of this relating to statements in the Senate in discovery of formal business is a critical element of the ruling that you made. Perhaps it ought to be reinforced for the benefit of senators.