Earlier this week, we brought you clips of two days of Senate Meetings.
And while the Senate is known for the civility shown, there was some friction on Tuesday while debating the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Bill.
Labor Senator Glenfield Dennison intended to inject the debate with his personal experience of a trespass as old as time—checkpoint extortion by traffic officers—but the president wouldn't have it in her sainted chamber.
Dennison was pointing out the frequency with which it happens to drivers. However, the president insisted that he was imputing improper motives on public officers. Here's how that exchange went.
Glenfield Dennison, Labor Senator
"I know the law, that's the difficulty, is that I understand the law and they're doing it to me. Why is that important? Because they might not understand the constitutional context but what they understand is the fine because the fine is directly proportionate to the, how did Senator Faber refer to it? The roadside alternative resolution mechanism. They will tell you how much you'll pay and it's a portion of that you need to drop your hand with. So these are some of the realities on the road."
President of the Senate
"Senator Glenfield Dennison I would highly recommend you refrain from making those statements about public officers in this honorable house. I don't see anything wrong with using examples of personal experiences but I do not believe it is fair to make those kinds of statements about public officers so kindly refrain from doing so."
Glenfield Dennison
"I have their names and the video."
President of the Senate
"The matter could be addressed in another space but not in this Senate, we're here dealing with a particular bill and while I do take that the realities are important and I think you're making examples to how we apply the law is excellent I ask that we refrain from making those statements about public officers."
Glenfield Dennison
"I'm going to respectfully request your intervention in assisting me under which standing order that provision is being made?"
President of the Senate
"Senator Dennison, the standing orders do speak to what content of speeches should be but nonetheless it does have a provision where it gives the president general authority to regulate the conduct of business in matters not provided for in the standing orders."