George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That—

(1) The Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Amendment Bill 2017 have precedence over all government business until determined.

(2) If by 7.20 pm today, the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Amendment Bill 2017 has not been finally considered:

  (a) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to not later than midnight;

  (b) the routine of business from not later than 7.20 pm shall be government business only;

  (c) the Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has finally considered the bill or at midnight, whichever is the earlier; and

(d) if by 2 pm on Thursday, 16 February 2017, the bill has still not been finally considered:

     (i) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to adjournment,

     (ii) the routine of business from not later than 8 pm shall be government business only,

     (iii) divisions may take place after 4.30 pm, and

     (iv) the Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has finally considered the bill listed above, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.

The reason the government moves this motion is to ensure that the amendments to the ABCC Act which the bill contains are dealt with this week. This is important legislation. We have heard from the minister, Senator Cash, on many occasions the reasons why the government considers this to be important legislation. I will not detain the chamber now to rehearse the reasons—the motion is self-explanatory—but I seek the cooperation of honourable senators to ensure that this important legislation, which is a priority for the government, is determined without delay.