Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—This morning we have seen that senators have tried to make on the run a number of decisions in relation to the composition of Senate committees. The composition of Senate committees is carefully considered; it is in the standing orders. One of the motions that was withdrawn this morning would have changed the whole nature of the balance on that committee from one where the government had a majority to one where a minor party had the controlling vote. At any stage, when there is a move to change the numbers, not the composition, of committees, it should always go to the Procedures Committee before it is brought into the chamber for discussion.