Senator Thorpe: I want to acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the lands—
Senator Hughes: How many times has that happened today?
Senator Thorpe: Is that racism? Can I just call out racism in this chamber right now, please? Acting Deputy President, I call it out.
Senator Hughes: Point of order.
The Acting Deputy President (Senator Linda Reynolds): Point of order?
Senator Hughes: We’ve just had an accusation made in this chamber, and I would like Senator Thorpe to withdraw.
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Hughes, you have a point of order?
Senator Hughes: Yes. I’d just like to point out that Senator Thorpe has just made a comment about me that I think she should withdraw in its inference—in fact, its direct calling.
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Thorpe?
Senator Thorpe: Acting Deputy President, what are you asking me to do?
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Thorpe, I’ve just had a point of order that you actually made—
Senator Thorpe: Do you want me to finish reading it?
The Acting Deputy President: I did hear what Senator Hughes said, and—
Senator Thorpe: And you don’t see that as racist?
The Acting Deputy President: That is not my call to make. However—are you making a point of order?
Senator Thorpe: I’m making a point of order that I am in my workplace, and I don’t need racists being racist to me while I’m reading my speech. Can you make sure that I am not targeted with racism while I’m trying to do my job, please?
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Hughes?
Senator Hughes: I don’t think it’s appropriate for Senator Thorpe to be referring to anyone in this place as racist, and I would ask her to withdraw. That is absolutely inappropriate, and I will not be referred to by you as anything, let alone that. You need to—
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Hughes, take your seat. Senator Hughes, you are not helping. Senator Hughes and Senator Thorpe! Thank you. Senator Thorpe, I heard what Senator Hughes said, and I didn’t hear anything that was –
Senator Thorpe, if you would like a review of the Hansard, I can certainly ask for a review of the Hansard.
Senator Thorpe: I would like that please, because I will not stand for racism in my workplace.
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Thorpe, you are not helping the situation by repeating that claim about Senator Hughes. I would ask that you withdraw that imputation.
Senator Thorpe: I will not withdraw until you understand that I have just been racially vilified while I’m reading my speech.
Senator Katy Gallagher: If it might assist the chamber, there is obviously a disagreement that has gone on here. I think your suggestion that the Hansard be reviewed and that the President or yourself come back to the chamber at a later date might be the best way to facilitate this evening.
Senator Hughes: I would just like to make the point that the constant reference to Australians who were born here from a different heritage being referred to as colonisers is not helpful in any way. Perhaps we need to refer to the Hansard in more ways than one.
The Acting Deputy President: Senator Hughes and Senator Thorpe: I will confer with the President, and also the Clerk. We will review the Hansard, and we will come back and report back to the Senate.
Senator Thorpe: Acting Deputy President, I appreciate that. Can I continue to read my speech?
The Acting Deputy President: You have the call.