Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave of the Senate to move a motion for an extension of time for the Senate Standing Committee on Economics to report. You have to do these things in a natural break. This is one, and that is why I am moving the motion now.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—The opposition has just approached me as the minister on duty about this proposal. I have only heard about this in the last minute-and-a-half. Rather than denying leave, I ask that the opposition allow another speaker so I can get further advice. We can then consider the matter after the dinner break.

Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—It is perfectly acceptable for the minister to get some information about the proposal, but I would certainly wish to bring it back before dinner.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—That is a reasonable proposition, but I do need some time to seek further advice, otherwise I will deny leave and we could be here for quite a while if you seek to have a contingency motion debated. I think it would be better for you to wait 10 minutes.

Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—If I could respond briefly. Certainly 10 minutes is not a difficulty. We are not wanting to take up time with a contingency motion if the matter can be resolved.