Page 3021 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 August 1990
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The protection afforded a witness in relation to oral evidence given before a committee also applies to documentary evidence that witness may give. This protection is now conferred explicitly under the Parliamentary Privileges Act, but the submission of a written statement is not deemed to be the giving of evidence - - -
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I am afraid Mr Humphries is arguing the case. I think this is entirely improper. One should not argue the case about the matter of privilege which really should be decided before the appropriate committee. It is most inappropriate for this matter to be argued here.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your observation. I uphold Mr Berry's objection. I think we should get to the point of whether it should be referred to the committee and then we can debate it.
Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, I submit that Mr Berry's point of order is not in order and I seek your leave to make a submission on that point of order.
Mr Berry: You cannot argue it here; it is wrong.
MR SPEAKER: The point of order has been upheld by me and therefore we would like to have it before - - -
Mr Humphries: Mr Speaker, in this case I cannot put an argument against this motion because the argument was going to be based on the validity or not of the matter that Mr Berry wants to refer to that committee. It is obviously impossible for us to debate it.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Berry: On a point of order: this is another example of Mr Humphries arguing with your rulings, Mr Speaker, and I think he should be ordered to sit down.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Berry, for your observation.
Motion (by Mr Kaine) agreed to:
That the question be now put.
Question put.
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