Sen ator VAN (Victoria) (15:22): I thank my friend Senator Stewart for her contribution, but it's very clear that she wasn't in the last parliament, because the behaviour— Senator Stewart: What's that got to do with it? Don't belittle it. Senator VAN: I listened to you in silence. The behaviour that we saw from the Labor Party, from those benches, in the last year or so was disgraceful. Even yesterday and today, the muck that's been thrown from that side to this side at Senators Cash and Reynolds is really just not on and makes a mockery of her words, which I thought, for the most part, were quite strong. As parliamentarians we need to be focused on setting the standard for all Australians and in all aspects of life. When then Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins handed— Senator Thorpe: We know what you were doing! Senator VAN: Deputy President, could you— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, please. We have had a respectful debate. Senator Thorpe: I can't believe they put you up to make this speech. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, I know you're going to have your two minutes. You'll have your turn. Senator Van, please go on. Senator VAN: Disgraceful. When I'm trying to say these things— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: We don't need commentary from you, Senator Van. Let's just keep going. Senator VAN: When then Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins handed down the Set the standard report, recommendation 2 asked us to demonstrate institutional leadership and recommendation 4 asked us to demonstrate individual leadership. Under the heading 'The case for change' the report states: Many Australian workplaces have recognised that a safe and respectful workplace culture influences their ability to attract and retain the best people, drive organisational performance as well as to manage what are now significant reputational and legal risks. What happened in the previous parliament did not enforce the Set the standard report. After almost two years it seems that nothing has been learnt and that we're in the same place we were then. Those opposite continue to attack Senator Reynolds and throw mud across the chamber, while claiming indemnity and innocence— Senator Thorpe interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, please! Senator Thorpe: You know it! The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, I have called you to order. Please be in order. Senator VAN: Could you ask her to withdraw that comment, please. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I didn't hear the comment. Senator Thorpe, please, just withdraw. Senator Thorpe: Why'd you have to move your office— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, please withdraw. Senator Thorpe: away from me? The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, you are not assisting. I ask you to consider withdrawing that. Senator Thorpe: I withdraw. Senator VAN: It is time we elevated the discourse in this chamber and elevated how we treat each other. Transparency— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Point of order, Senator Thorpe? Senator Thorpe: I just want to relay that I'm feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, that's inappropriate and reflecting poorly on the member. I have to ask you to withdraw that. Senator Thorpe: I can't, because this person harassed me, sexually assaulted me— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, I would just warn you at this point— Senator Thorpe: and the Prime Minister had to remove him from his office. To have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace on the whole party. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, I have to call you to order. I'm going to have to refer that to the President. Senator Thorpe interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I'm going to refer it to the President. I'm just looking at the leaders—my course of action is to refer it to the President. Senator Van, please continue with your contribution. Senator VAN: I utterly reject that disgusting statement outright. It is just a lie, and I reject it. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Van— Senator VAN: Sorry; I withdraw the word 'lie'. It's just not true. May I continue? The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Yes. Senator VAN: Transparency, honesty and integrity are the most important factors for a functioning democracy. The people must be able to trust that their elected representatives are working in their favour. It is time to bring back integrity into this building. It is time for those opposite and the crossbench to start acting on their words. Despite campaigning on integrity since day one, the Albanese Labor government has demonstrated anything but integrity. It seems like every time the opposition comes into this chamber asking questions of the government, the government is incredibly reticent to provide answers. We saw that in estimates most recently. When in opposition, now Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus spent years trying to get hold of the ministerial diaries of George Brandis—even taking him to court. Now in government, he refuses to release his diary, as do other ministers—all of whom campaigned on transparency, honesty and integrity. The complete hypocrisy of the Prime Minister and Attorney-General to campaign on transparency and integrity while in opposition calling for a specific act of transparency such as releasing diaries—we must do everything we can to ensure that government and government processes are transparent, and that citizens are prepared to engage with our democracy. Question agreed to.