The PRESIDENT (3:03 PM) —Yester-day at question time I undertook to review, with the benefit of the Hansard transcript, a remark by Senator Vanstone to which objection was taken. The relevant remark by Senator Vanstone was:

This was taken by opposition senators as implying that other members of the Labor Party do not recognise the evil of the Hussein regime. Senator Vanstone's statement does not necessarily give rise to that implication but, as I indicated yesterday, it could be taken to carry that suggestion and therefore to be impugning the motives of other senators.

The issue of the war in Iraq is an extremely difficult one, liable to give rise to intense emotions. With that kind of issue, senators have to be particularly careful not to say anything which might be taken as attributing improper motives to other senators. As I did yesterday, I therefore urge all senators, including ministers answering questions, to be careful of their language and not make remarks like those in question which might be taken—I repeat, might be taken—to question other senators' motives.

Senator Faulkner —Mr President, I raise a point of order; I did not want to take the point of order while you were on your feet. Your statement related to an issue concerning comments made by Senator Vanstone. A point of order was raised by Senator Cook and there was some discussion around it, as you would recall, in question time yesterday. You were on your feet and this related to Senator Vanstone but, at the beginning of your statement, Senator Vanstone just wandered out of the chamber, contrary to the standing orders. In this case, the statement related to Senator Vanstone and Senator Cook. They are the two senators concerned and Senator Cook is in the chamber in his seat. It is a breach of the standing orders. It may not be a major breach, but it is a discourtesy, particularly when it relates to the senator concerned.

The PRESIDENT —Because of the number of ministers and senators that have left, I might make sure that this statement is sent to every senator and member.