Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

If I can explain the arrangements for today: I've got a declaration to refer matters to the Federation Chamber and a suspension motion that I'll be moving shortly. I ask that we don't deal with that immediately, that we deal with that later in the day.

In advising that, let me first of all say there will certainly be a late-night sitting tonight. Whether it is a late-night sitting in this House only or whether it is a late-night sitting in the Federation Chamber and this House is something that the government will look at; we will look at speaking lists and make a decision later in the day. I think there is no better way to celebrate my birthday than the parliament sitting as long as possible today! We'll move that resolution later today but not immediately.

I will also just let members know—because a few members, particularly the Manager of Opposition Business, have been asking—where we're up to with the calendar for next year. I advise we won't have that finalised until the final week of sittings, but people should work on the basis that we're expecting to return on 3 February; that's the week we expect to return.

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