George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

The government will be supporting this motion, and we are of the view that Senator Xenophon has done the right thing in proposing this reference. That being said, Senator Xenophon's case illustrates how silly this has become. As the Prime Minister said the other day, if Nick Xenophon is an Englishman, the Pope is a Methodist.

On the basis of the facts as we understand them, and as presently advised, the government are of the view that Senator Xenophon is not disqualified under section 44(i) of the Constitution, and we will be making a submission to that effect in the proceedings before the Court of Disputed Returns.

Question agreed to.