STATEMENTS

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (16:07): Pursuant to standing order 203, I move: That Senator Hanson be suspended from the sitting of the Senate. The PRESIDENT: The question is that the motion as moved by Senator Wong be agreed to. I believe the ayes have it.

Question agreed to. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I have called that for the ayes. I indicated to the chamber, consistent with Senator Parry's ruling, that I would not recognise Senator Hanson while she remained in the chamber in something that has been deemed a prop.

The vote was for the ayes, and I've called that. Senator Roberts: There were multiple noes. The PRESIDENT: Senator Roberts, I have called the vote, so that's the end of the matter.

Senator Roberts, please resume your seat; we have moved on. Senator Parry's order is very clear, and I've upheld that. Now Senator Hanson has to remove herself from the chamber.

Senator Thorpe: I wasn't allowed in the Senate chamber when I was suspended. How come she's allowed in here? The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, the interjections are really unhelpful.

I would like to get on with the business of the Senate. Senator Thorpe interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Thorpe! Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, I couldn't be any clearer.

The Senate has just moved to sanction Senator Hanson. Senator Shoebridge interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I'll give you a few seconds, Senator Shoebridge. Make it short and very clear.

Senator Shoebridge: We have a senator who has been named, and she cannot remain in here while the Senate proceeds. I would ask you to seek advice on a short suspension of the chamber so that can be achieved. The PRESIDENT: Thank you.

Senator Wong, I will come to you. I would hope that all of us in here can uphold, with respect, the business of the chamber. The Senate has made its view clear.

We should not have to move to suspending. I should not have to be entertaining interjections. I want everyone to behave in a respectful way.

I'm going to give the call to Senator Wong. The suggestion of a suspension is something I'm really loath to do, Senator Shoebridge. I would hope that senators in here can behave respectfully, and, if you're called, you're called.

But— Senator Tyrrell interjecting— The PRESIDENT: No, Senator Tyrrell. Sit down. Senator Tyrrell interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Tyrrell, you do not have the call.

Senator WONG: President, this chamber doesn't operate on people being physically removed. This chamber operates on senators, who are elected by the people, respecting the Constitution of Australia and the standing orders of this chamber, and it says something, Senator Hanson, if you refuse to act in a manner consistent with the standing orders of this chamber.

So, for all of your talk about respecting institutions, democracy and the Australian people, it is you who is today disregarding this parliament, our Constitution and the standing orders that flow from that, which the chamber has agreed with. I move: That the sitting of the Senate be suspended until the ringing of the bells. Question agreed to.

Sitting suspended from 16:12 to 17:50