QUESTIONS TO THE PRESIDENT

Senator CASH (Western Australia—Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (15:09): by leave—President, I wish to draw your attention to remarks made by Senator Sheldon during two-minute statements and asked at the Hansard be reviewed in the context of standing order 193(3). I do understand—I caught the end of it as well—that you weren't present for the majority of his contribution, but I have now had the opportunity to review the captions, and I am concerned about the content, which I will not repeat.

I would ask you to review. The opposition is of the view that remarks appear capable of constituting personal reflections or imputations of improper motives against a member of the other House. I therefore ask that the remarks be reviewed, and, if you determine that they do offend standing order 193(3) rules of debate, that the relevant words be required to be withdrawn.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Cash. I did respond at the time that inoffensive remarks need to be dealt with in the chamber, but I will go and review the tape.