Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, yesterday I received a copy of a letter from you indicating I had used the word 'fraudulently' four days earlier in taking note of answers, contrary to standing orders. It was clearly contrary to standing orders and I unreservedly withdraw.

The point I sought to make, on which the evidence is absolutely clear, was canvassed by me in this place on 16 June 2009. It was this: Senator Bob Brown kept collecting moneys for a purpose which no longer existed. People were donating to a cause, believing they were contributing to help stop something from happening—something which had already been stopped. The Australian people will determine for themselves how best to describe such behaviour and whether it is ethical. I thank Senator Brown for drawing attention to my otherwise unnoticed speech.