Personal Explanations — Tim van de Molen—Privileges Committee Report

Point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to make a personal statement.

Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.

TIM VAN DE MOLEN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Today, the Privileges Committee has presented its report into the question of privilege concerning my conduct towards the chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee. The Privileges Committee has found my actions to be a contempt of Parliament, and when Parliament sits next week, I will be censured.

Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff should be able to carry out their duties in a stable environment. The report from the Privileges Committee makes it clear that my conduct after the select committee on 29 June had an impact on others that I had not appreciated. Although I have a different recollection of some aspects of the incident, I completely accept the findings of the committee. I apologise to all those who were in the room but specifically to Mr Halbert, who was most impacted by my conduct. I am horrified at the thought of my conduct having been perceived as threatening. This is not at all in my nature, and I’ve enjoyed working constructively with MPs from across the House. Obviously, in this instance, I have fallen short of my own expectations and the expectations of the House.

No one should feel threatened in their workplace, and it was certainly not my intent to threaten Mr Halbert. Regardless, my conduct was not appropriate, and it should not have happened. I would also like to apologise specifically to the select committee staff, who do a wonderful job for us all. I’d like to thank the many MPs that have offered their support through this process. And, finally, I would also like to extend an apology to all members of this House for the impact my actions may have on the perception of parliamentarians and of this House.