Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

They were plotting in the corners. It was a wonderful event and I congratulate the Presiding Officers and the Attorney for it. It is just such a pity that none of the Labor Party members—one of your House of Reps colleagues was there, I must say. It was a wonderful event and while I am on my feet I just want to congratulate the President, the Speaker and the Attorney for putting on this wonderful event. This sort of game goes on. It is bad enough at the best of times, but when there is supposed to be a spirit of goodwill and honesty and truth around, this is just absolutely incredible. As I say, I will mark this down. I have been here 24 years. I have never, never seen where an agreement between leaders and whips is thrown aside in such a cavalier fashion. Senator Carr is going to jump to his feet. I hope that should really extend the spirit of Christmas.