Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

On a point of order, Chair, I just seek your guidance in terms of Senator Cash's direct criticism of a ruling that you have just made—and, if I might add, a complete mischaracterisation of what you've just said. It is my understanding that is well out of order, and I ask you for a ruling on that, please.

The CHAIR: I was allowing Senator Cash to make a contribution, but I have made the ruling. The ruling was made on the advice of the Clerk, and my characterisation of Senator Cash's contribution is consistent with yours, in that it's a criticism of my ruling. My ruling stands. Senator Cash, the ruling is in relation to the application of the standing orders. It doesn't apply to the actual amendment to the definition itself, which is what your contribution entails. The standing order says that you cannot make further amendments when an amendment has already been agreed to, in that the will of the Committee of the Whole has already been declared or articulated by the committee, and therefore to criticise the ruling is to criticise the decision of the Committee of the Whole. I'm prepared to give you the call again, but, if you wish to continue down the line you're taking, I will not give you the call.