Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the 157th report of the Committee of Privileges, entitled Person referred to in the Senate: Professor Simon Chapman, AO.

Ordered that the report be printed.

This report is the 68th in a series of reports recommending that a right of reply be afforded to persons who claim to have been adversely affected by being referred to in the Senate, either by name or in such a way as to be readily identified.

On 24 June 2014, the President received a submission from Professor Simon Chapman relating to a speech made by Senator John Madigan during the adjournment debate in the Senate on 17 June 2014. The President referred the submission to the committee under privileges resolution No. 5. The committee considered the submission at its meeting on 10 July 2014 and recommends that the proposed response be incorporated in Hansard.

The committee reminds the Senate that in matters of this nature it does not judge the truth or otherwise of statements made by honourable senators or the persons referred to. Rather, it ensures that these persons' submissions, and ultimately the responses it recommends, accord with the criteria set out in privileges resolution No. 5. I commend the motion to the Senate.

Ordered that the report be adopted.