James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. Senators should oppose it not on the basis of the substance of these bills but to defend the principle that legislation ought to be afforded the opportunity of a proper debate on its merit before the Senate discharges it. It is the orthodox and longstanding practice of the Senate that the government of the day determines the listing and order of items of government business. This motion begs the question: why are the Greens so afraid of a proper debate about the modest and sensible measures in these bills to enhance the transparency and accountability of the ABC and SBS?