Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Wong. What has not assisted is that, every time I have attempted to ask Senator Abetz to consider the comment and that it would assist the chamber if he withdrew, the cacophony of noise coming from—

Senator Conroy interjecting—

Order, Senator Conroy! This is half the problem. Have some respect for the chamber and have some respect for the chair. That goes to all sides. The Senate is deteriorating, sadly, into a state where we cannot have a question asked or an answer given without constant interjections. It is becoming an embarrassment, quite frankly.

Senator Wong interjecting—

Order, Senator Wong! That applies to everyone at the moment. Senator Abetz, I did ask, and I would respect it, if you could at least accede to my request of withdrawing. It would assist the chamber in this space at this time. You have four seconds remaining to continue to answer the question.