Senate debates Poker Machine Harm Minimisation Bill 2008; Poker Machine Harm Reduction Tax (Administration) Bill 2008; Atms and Cash Facilities in Licensed Venues Bill 2008
Economics Committee; Extension of Time
Helen Coonan NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
5:54 pm
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
5:55 pm
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
5:56 pm
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
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
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.