Christine Milne Tasmania, Australian Greens
9:40 am
I ask that general business notice of motion No. 735, which endorses the legal ban on nuclear power stations in Australia, be taken as a formal motion.
John Watson Tasmania, Liberal Party
I rise on a point of order, Mr President. Can we have clarification of whether Australian law bans nuclear power stations? I know there are certain activities that are prohibited, but I hesitate to support something that may not necessarily be 100 per cent factually correct.
Paul Calvert President
It is not really a matter for the chair, as I understand it. Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?
John Watson Tasmania, Liberal Party
Yes, I object on the basis of the matter that I raised earlier. I know it is not the usual procedure; the usual procedure is to vote against the motion. In the event that there is doubt about it, it worries me. I believe the Senate is entitled to a clarification.
Paul Calvert President
There is an objection, so the motion cannot be taken as formal.