Barry O'Sullivan (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Fake news—that's what it is, indeed. Someone said that somewhere. I don't think that's an original thought on your part.

An honourable senator interjecting—

Well, I think the author of that sometimes exercises a little bit too much free speech, with less responsibility. My point to all of my colleagues is: your time will come. Every one of you will want to rise to your feet and open debate or test the position of your colleagues on some important subject matter, and I'll be in the chair down there denying you formality to do that. I'll do that as frequently as I have to until we realise the impact this changing trend that's been occurring in this chamber is having. It has to cease. We need to get back to being able to fearlessly put a view. It doesn't matter what reaction it generates. We have to have the right to do it. The Australian people, I think, are watching us and want to see just what direction we take.