Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

On the same point of order, my understanding of the standing orders is that the context of how things are said is important, in terms of rulings. Senator Hanson-Young didn't say that Senator Hanson deliberately lied. She said she lied. It may have been inadvertent or it may have been deliberate; we don't know. In that sense, I'd ask you to reflect on the fact that she didn't say she deliberately lied.

The CHAIR: Senator Whish-Wilson, I am attempting to uphold the standing orders and the spirit of debate. I think we can have a spirited debate without reflecting on, or coming very close to reflecting on, what may or may not have motivated other senators. I have asked Senator Hanson-Young to withdraw her comments. In consideration of open, and yes, robust debate, I would ask her to withdraw those remarks.