Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek your advice on a couple of events that have recently taken place in the chamber, and you may want to take this on notice. Firstly, in my time here—10 years—I do not ever recall a Deputy President taking part in a particularly partisan debate. I recognise that the office of Deputy President is not one where the rights of the Senate are curtailed, but I would seek advice as to whether it is appropriate or whether there is a historical precedent for a particularly partisan contribution from the Deputy President. Not only does it maybe breach the expectations of the Deputy President but it also seemed to lack a certain dignity.

Speaking of a lack of dignity, I would also draw your attention to the contribution by Senator Lambie in which she basically reflected very poorly not only on me but on this side of politics, which was quite shameful. The inappropriateness of her remarks was drawn to her attention and the Acting Deputy President's attention on a number of occasions. I do not recall that Senator Lambie withdrew them, but I would ask you to review the Hansard and deem whether they were parliamentary or unparliamentary.