House debates

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Personal Explanations

3:23 pm

Photo of Kelvin ThomsonKelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Does the member claim to have been misrepresented?

Photo of Kelvin ThomsonKelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Yes, Mr Speaker.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Wills may proceed.

Photo of Kelvin ThomsonKelvin Thomson (Wills, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

In the Age today the member for Dawson is reported to have criticised me for blaming Australian farmers but not saying anything on the question of religion. This is incorrect on both counts. I have spoken in parliament on the live cattle exports issue on three occasions over the past three weeks. A reading of my speeches will reveal that I have made no criticisms of Australian farmers whatsoever. On the other hand, I have expressly raised the issue of religion, stating religious convictions do not give anyone a licence to depart from basic standards of decency and humanity.

Photo of Josh FrydenbergJosh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Does the member claim to have been misrepresented?

Photo of Josh FrydenbergJosh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Outrageously, Mr Speaker.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Kooyong may proceed.

Photo of Josh FrydenbergJosh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

In question time today the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government spread a litany of falsehoods.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member will not debate.

Photo of Josh FrydenbergJosh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

But I was most offended by the claim that I had briefed Michelle Grattan. He should know better. A speech in the parliament is available to the whole press gallery. It just happens that Michelle Grattan is among the most forensic and attentive.

Photo of Harry JenkinsHarry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! It is days like today when I regret that I cannot see the reaction of the gallery behind and above me.