David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Can I firstly indicate that it was the government's position that we would support the motion standing in the name of Senator Bob Brown. I would also like to make the point that it is unusual for formality to be denied in the manner that it was, and certainly to be denied without any warning. I think all senators in this place comprehend that there is a network of conventions and understandings that ensure this chamber is able to work and work effectively and I make the point that denying formality on this occasion and in this manner does, to my mind, go against those formalities and make the management of this place more difficult rather than assisting it. Having made that point, I conclude by saying the government will not support a suspension of standing orders.