Senator IAN CAMPBELL —I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the Senate

(a) notes:

(i) that, on 10 March 1998, Australian Labor Party (ALP) senators gave more than 38 notices of motion in an attempt to filibuster away time to ensure, in a show of fraternity with their comrade, that the commencement of a government business notice of motion of censure against Senator Bolkus would be delayed, and

(ii) that the ALP will go to any length to stop a debate on the actions of Senator Bolkus in leaking confidential court documents relating to the recovery of assets from Mr Christopher Skase; and

(b) asks why:

(i) the ALP is protecting Senator Bolkus, as they did with Dr Lawrence, and

(ii) Senator Bolkus is taking action that assists Mr Skase.

Senator Carr —Where's the government business? This is a loss of government business time.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Carr, please.

Senator IAN CAMPBELL —Madam Deputy President, I had better just repeat section 2 of that notice of motion.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —I think there is no need to, Senator Campbell.

Senator IAN CAMPBELL —I had better repeat section 2, which says—

Opposition senators interjecting—

Senator IAN CAMPBELL —I will wait until we get some quiet. It continues:

(ii) Notes that the ALP will go to any length—

Opposition senators interjecting—

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Order on my left. Senator Campbell, please continue with your notice of motion.

Senator IAN CAMPBELL —I will try to, Madam Deputy President. I thank you for your protection. It continues:

(ii) that the ALP will go to any length to stop a debate on the actions of Senator Bolkus in leaking confidention court documents relating to the recovery of assets from Mr Christopher Skase; and

(b) asks why

(i) the ALP is protecting Senator Bolkus, as they did with Dr Lawrence, and

(ii) Senator Bolkus is taking action that assists Mr Skase.

Senator Cook —Madam Deputy President, I raise a point of order. I think the notice of motion just given is out of order, because it incorrectly refers to Senator Bolkus in part 1 of the notice as `Comrade Bolkus' when surely it should refer to him as `Comrade Senator Bolkus'.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —It will be edited to make sure it is in order.

Senator Ian Campbell —By leave I will amend the motion from saying `Comrade Bolkus' to saying `Christopher Skase's little mate'.

Senator Cook —That would be out of order, Madam Deputy President.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —It will be edited to make sure that it is in compliance with standing orders.

Senator Cook —I raise a point of order.

Opposition senators interjecting—

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Cook is trying to take a point of order.

Senator Cook —I am sorry, Madam Deputy President, I was not aware of your ruling on the last point of order.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —It shall be edited to make sure that it is in order.

Senator Cook —That refers to the improper and incorrect allegation that Senator Campbell just made about Mr Skase and Senator Bolkus.

Senator Ian Campbell —`Murray Farquhar' or `little mate'—what was the bit you didn't like?

Senator Cook —The improper reflection on the senator.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —The motion will be edited in accordance with standing orders.