Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

On a point of order, I ask you to reflect, please, on page 241 in Odgers', which says:

An amendment may not be moved if it is a direct negative to the question. An amendment is not regarded as a direct negative unless it would have exactly the same effect as negativing the motion.

I think Senator Birmingham is right in his argument here—that the effect of the amendment that Senator Gallagher is putting actually has the same effect as voting against the motion. If that's not your ruling, President, could I ask you to explain why, in fact, you do not believe that that relevant passage of Odgers' is pertinent in this case.