COMMITTEES

Senator SCARR (Queensland) (16:19): Once again, I'm delighted to be mixed up with my dear good friend Senator Carr from Victoria, and I hope he's enjoying his retirement. I enjoyed my time working with both him and Senator Fierravanti-Wells very much on the scrutiny of delegated legislation, where my friend Senator O'Neill has taken up the baton and is charging forward in her typical way.

But putting that aside, I present the 190th report of the Committee of Privileges, entitled Persons referred to in the Senate: Mr John Fenwick. Ordered that the report be adopted. Response as recommended by the committee incorporated accordingly— This report forms part of a series of reports recommending that a right of reply be afforded to persons who claim to have been adversely affected by being referred to in the Senate, either by name or in such a way as to be readily identified.

On 18 December 2025, the President received a submission from Mr John Fenwick relating to a speech made by Senator Roberts in the Senate on 1 September 2025. The President referred the submission to the committee under privilege resolution 5. The committee has considered the submission and recommends that Mr Fenwick's response be incorporated in Hansard.

The committee reminds the Senate that in matters of this nature it does not judge the truth or otherwise of statements made by senators or the persons referred to. Rather, it ensures that these persons' submissions, and ultimately the responses it recommends, accord with the criteria set out in privilege resolution 5. I commend the motion to the Senate.