Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

What we are doing today is simply finishing off last night’s second reading stage speeches on the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Amendment Bill 2006. I understand that we have two or three speakers remaining on that and, of course, they would have been aware that speeches on the second reading were delivered last night. I do not see that there is any great issue with continuing those this afternoon. It is public knowledge that there has been a Senate committee of inquiry into the broadcasting legislation. Recommendations have been made by the committee on that legislation. The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has been considering those, the report having been tabled last Friday. The minister has had that under consideration. As I advised the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Evans, I anticipate the broadcasting bills coming on after the second reading stage speeches have concluded. The government’s intention is to bring on the second reading debate on the broadcasting legislation at the conclusion of the second reading stage speeches on the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Amendment Bill 2006. As I understand it, the list for that is relatively short.

I would remind senators that we try to give people as much notice as possible but, as it says on the Senate red in the top right-hand corner, ‘This document is issued as a guide to senators. The business listed is subject to change.’ It has certainly been my experience that that document has been available in the Senate under both the previous government and this government. I certainly endeavour to give as much notice as I possibly can to senators. That is the situation; that is the intended program of the government. In discovery of formal business, which will take place after question time, I will deal with the question of extended hours this evening—of which notice was given yesterday—to incorporate and facilitate an extended debate on the broadcasting legislation, as senators have expressed a great interest in that. That is the government’s proposal. That is the plan of action and I commend the motion to the Senate.

Question put:

That the motion (That the motion (Senator Ellison’s) be agreed to.) be agreed to.