Sue Lines (President) Share this | Hansard source

Before we move on with further business of the Senate, I intend to make a further statement to the chamber. In the statement I made before question time today, I noted that the disorderly conduct in the Senate this morning culminated in Senator Thorpe tearing up papers and throwing them at Senator Hanson. I expressed the very strong view that such conduct is not acceptable, that senators must conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and that physically threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. I indicated that I would be meeting with the Deputy President and the leaders of the government, the opposition and the Greens to consider what actions should be taken in relation to that conduct. I have now had the opportunity to have those discussions, which indicated to me that senators from around the chamber consider that the conduct involved was highly disorderly.

At 4.30 pm today, I wrote to Senator Thorpe indicating that I intended to make a further statement at 6 pm. I also drew to her attention the operation of standing order 203, which deals with disorderly conduct. I indicated that I considered it would be in Senator Thorpe's interest to attend the Senate at that time. She has indicated to me that she will not be in the chamber this evening.

To explain the process, when a senator is named under standing order 203, they have a right to attend the Senate to make an explanation or an apology. Any senator may then move a motion proposing that the senator be suspended from the sittings of the Senate. Under the standing orders, any such motion must be put without amendment or debate. Although the procedure gives a senator the right to make an explanation or an apology, the Senate may proceed to consider a suspension motion even if the senator chooses not to attend. Against that background I name Senator Thorpe in accordance with standing order 203. My reasons are her disorderly conduct this morning. In determining not to attend this evening, Senator Thorpe has denied herself the opportunity to make an explanation or an apology.