Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, given that the vote on that suspension motion was 70 votes to 68 and therefore it was carried in a moral sense, I now seek leave to move the following motion:

That the House consider the statement made this day by the member for Dobell, especially in light of the clear indications of the House given before question time and during question time that the House wishes this matter to be debated.

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The standing orders make it quite clear that an absolute majority was required.

Opposition members interjecting—

I have not got there yet. It has been determined in accordance with the standing orders. If you seek—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop interjecting—

The member for Mackellar will remove herself from the chamber under standing order 94(a).

The member for Mackellar then left the chamber.

The standing orders required an absolute majority and therefore the motion was not carried.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So you can't move it again.

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So it cannot be moved again, as it has already been put and the standing orders have not found—

Opposition members interjecting—

It is in accordance with the standing orders. It is not my deliberation and not my determination as the chair. The standing orders have found that the motion cannot be put.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With great respect to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, you are correct, of course: the suspension of standing orders was defeated because it did not gain 76 votes but it did gain a majority. Of course, technically that meant the motion was not carried, but I am entitled to seek leave and the Leader of the House, if he wishes to do so, is able to grant leave for me to move that motion with leave.

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business is seeking leave. Is leave granted?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No. This issue has been dealt with. The item which the Manager of Opposition Business is attempting to—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the House will resume his seat. Leave has not been granted.

Mr Abbott interjecting—

The Leader of the Opposition is reflecting on the chair.