I agree with Senator Hayden's reflections on the banking conference that is taking place.

I note that the Personal Insolvency Bill, when enacted, will require that a person with a distressed mortgage must first engage in a mortgage arrears resolution process. A code of conduct on same is being established by the banking federations. A problem with the code is that a statement of financial assessment consisting of 110 questions must be filled out. One borrower with broadly similar circumstances to another could fill out the form but the result would be different. One may be given the facility of interest-only or a break in his or her mortgage, whereas another could be forced to engage in a voluntary sale scenario. Effectively, the banking sector is completely delinquent when it comes to dealing with these situations. In my office I have met people with broadly similar financial circumstances who have been given completely different scenarios after undergoing stress tests and assessments that were conducted by a bank.

If we want to get the banking sector right we need to wake up to its antics. We need to drag the banks in here kicking and screaming. It is quite clear that the banking sector is incapable. No matter what conference is taking place it is incapable of producing a uniform code of conduct and action. I want to see the representatives of the banking industry here. Let them sit in the ministerial chair and explain what they are doing to help people. Instead of the banks helping people to get out of their difficulties they are driving people over the edge.

I wish to make a point of order.

I shall allow the Senator to make a point of order.

I remind the House that two weeks ago the House voted down a proposal to invite the Minister for Finance here to discuss the same matter raised by Senators Conway and Hayden.

Senator Byrne thought it was a waste of time having the Minister in. Senator Darragh O'Brien cannot have it both ways. The last time the Minister was here was in July and Senator Byrne said then that he was wasting his time.

The Government parties voted down a proposal to invite the Minister for Finance here.

The Senator cannot have it both ways.

I ask the Senator to resume his seat, please. It is not a point of order.

Senator Noone and others voted against the proposal.

At five minutes notice.

They voted against the proposal. There is no point in Senators coming in here and crying over it. The Senators had an opportunity to do something about it but they voted against it.

I will continue to raise the concerns of ordinary people.

I ask the Senator to put his words into action and use his vote.

I will not engage in political point scoring.

The Senator had an opportunity to vote on it but he voted against it.

I ask Senator Conway to respect the Chair.

There is no point in Senator Conway talking about the matter.

Senator O'Brien, please. I ask Senators to respect the Chair, particularly when they are totally out of order. I ask them to show respect for the House. I call Senator Cullinane.