Page 292 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2012
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Mr Hargreaves: Whilst I understand that there is a lot more latitude in a censure debate and in no-confidence motion debates, I think there is a line that ought not be crossed by members in accusing other members of drunken tirades.
Ms Gallagher interjecting—
Mr Hargreaves: I think that is just a little bit too far. I would ask Mrs Dunne to withdraw that.
Ms Gallagher interjecting—
Mr Seselja: Mr Speaker, are you going to call the Chief Minister to order as she hurls abuse across the chamber? You have called a number of us to order this morning.
Members interjecting—
Mr Seselja: You warned us—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Do not speak from your chair, Mr Seselja. If there is going to be a discussion, you will at least rise to your feet. I will use my discretion on this. Mr Doszpot has actually interjected several more times since I warned him and he is still inside the chamber. So I think there is a little bit of latitude. I am doing my best to be even handed here. That is the first time I have heard the Chief Minister interject. But all of you, I heard you several times before I warned you. Now we will come back to Mr Hargreaves’s point of order.
Mr Smyth: On the point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: On the point of order, Mr Smyth?
Mr Smyth: On the point of order, yes. On Tuesday, words like “fraud” and “fraudulent behaviour” were used, which are particularly offensive. I asked you to have them withdrawn and you said that in the latitude of the debate you would allow it. So there is a different level of usage of terminology in censure and these sorts of motions when you try to get to the heart of the matter. I think the comments probably should stand.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Smyth. One moment, members. I am going to seek some advice on this one. Sorry for the delay, members, but given the nature of the debate, it is probably worth being well informed. I will quote from House of Representatives Practice:
Although a charge or reflection upon the character or conduct of a Member may be made by substantive motion, in expressing that charge or reflection a Member may not use unparliamentary words.
I intend to draw a distinction. I heard Mr Smyth’s point very clearly, I think. Questions around a type of conduct, the point Mr Smyth was making, are different to
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