Sue Lines (President) Share this | Hansard source

During question time yesterday the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate asked me to review what he called the prelude to a question asked by a government senator. The 'Rules for questions' under standing order 73(1) provide that questions shall not contain arguments, inferences or imputations. Numerous presidents have ruled that questions should not be prefaced by statements. Other rulings noted in Odgers', at page 629, confirm that questions are permissible only for the purposes of obtaining information and that they should not contain statements, assertions, allegations, insinuations and other extraneous material.

I do agree that the question referred to by Senator Birmingham stretched the bounds, the latitude, that is extended to senators in asking questions. However, it is far from the only question to do so. Many questions, over many years, from senators all around the chamber, have similarly tested that latitude. I reiterate the rulings I have just referred to and invite senators to review the rules for questions and answers over the coming winter adjournment.

Honourable senators: Hear, hear!