Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: to advise members of the current state of play, we have now dealt successfully with matters that have been returned to us from the Senate. As we speak of course the Senate continues to deliberate upon the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme legislation. My suggestion, which I have discussed with the Manager of Opposition Business in accordance with our cordial relations established over the last couple of days, is that the House now be suspended and that the House be reconvened on the ringing of the bells. That of course will be subject to the Senate’s deliberations and further consideration of the legislation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I call the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Acting Leader of the House.

Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, you describe me as Acting Leader of the House. I have been acting ‘Albo’ all week. I am not sure whether that has helped or hindered. I suspect, Mr Speaker, that this will be the last occasion for this year.

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: as members would be aware, the Senate has dealt with the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme legislation in the negative, regrettably from the government’s perspective. I will not dwell on that for fear of encouraging unnecessary debate at this stage. I spoke earlier to the Manager of Opposition Business.