COMMITTEES

Senator HANSON-YOUNG (South Australia—Manager of Australian Greens Business in the Senate) (16:12): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator HANSON-YOUNG: The Greens will not be supporting this amendment from the opposition.

We sought to resolve this matter outside the chamber and the opposition arrogantly refused. Well, now you're going to experience what happens when you aren't in control—because you do not control this chamber. The crossbench do have a right— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hanson-Young, I have Senator Scarr on his feet.

Senator Scarr: President, on a point of order, the senator should be directing her comments through you as President, especially when she's speaking in such a hostile, aggressive manner. The PRESIDENT: I remind Senator Hanson-Young to make her comments to me. Senator HANSON-YOUNG: Thank you, Madam President.

It seems that the nerves are touchy on the other side. Through you, Madam President, I say to the opposition: you're hardly even an opposition at the moment. You're split; you're a rabble.

At the very least, ensuring that the crossbench can have a say and a role on these types of committees is important. The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr? Senator Scarr: Is she finished?

The PRESIDENT: What's your point of order? Senator Scarr: Actually, I rose to seek leave to make a short statement. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senators, order!

I'm running the chamber. Senator Hanson-Young has 11 seconds remaining. Please only stand if you have a point of order.

Senator HANSON-YOUNG: Again, what they are displaying is that they are a rabble—rabble, rabble. They're a mess. They're hardly even an opposition.

They don't deserve three seats on this committee.