Lightbourne, Knight clash

LEADER OF Government Business in the Senate, Dorothy Lightbourne yesterday accused one of her colleagues of using the Senate to further a political agenda.

She was debating the report of a joint select committee, which reviewed recommendations of the Justice Hugh Small Committee. The Justice Hugh Small Committee submitted proposals to change aspects of the defamation laws.

A seemingly agitated Lightbourne said: "At the end of the day, the public will be the judge. It is very heartening that at this point, the public have been expressing their disgust and rejection of this kind of behaviour."

During her presentation, Senator K.D. Knight rose on a point of order. Indicating that her remarks were directed at him, Knight said that "one has a right to speak to reputation as is set out in the report".