Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(a) the following bills be called on immediately, in the following order, and the time allotted for all remaining stages of the bills be until 12.30 pm:

Intelligence Services Amendment Bill 2018

Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2018

Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 1) Bill 2017

Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Measures No. 4) Bill 2018; and

(b) paragraph (a) of this order shall operate as a limitation of debate under standing order 142.

I commend the motion to the Senate. As senators would be aware, we were about to deal with the proposed amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act from 11 am onwards. I think that there is a desire from all parties across this chamber to find a sensible way forward in relation to the important amendments to this bill. I think that there is broad consensus around this chamber to remove inappropriate discrimination against kids in schools and other education institutions based on their sexual orientation and other related matters. But there is also a desire, so far unresolved, among many good people around Australia to see appropriate and reasonable protection remain in place for religious schools, enabling them to conduct their affairs consistent with the tenets of their respective religions. In order to facilitate engagement between all parties as appropriate, the government and the opposition have reached agreement to take some more time. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have had a level of engagement. We believe it is in the public interest for those conversations to be allowed to continue for a bit longer. On that basis, I'm moving this motion to deal with a series of other priority government bills so that this process in relation to the amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act can continue to take place in good faith and in good order.