Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a statement.

Leave granted.

It is important for all colleagues in this place to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum. This is the place where we transact the people's business. I would note that, over the course of this week and recent weeks, that section of the day known as 'housekeeping', where motions are moved—where they're meant to be moved without debate—has, increasingly, become fraught, and has, increasingly, become a part of the sitting day that does not reflect well on this chamber.

Can I acknowledge those senators who supported the motion earlier, who supported the right and the obligation of the President of the Senate to exercise, in a reasonable fashion, the functions of that office. But I do think, Mr President, that colleagues should reflect on the conduct we have seen here, over recent days and over the last few weeks, during the part of the day when motions are moved. All of us should seek to be our best selves and to present this chamber in its best light as we all seek to do that which we are elected to do, which is to undertake business on behalf of the people who elected us here. It is appropriate that we do pause and reflect.