Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That questions without notice and motions to take note of answers not be proceeded with today.

Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We will not be obstructing this motion. However, it is the position of the Greens that question time should take place in every sitting of the Senate, not least when there are national crises or matters of great moment which the government ought to be questioned about and information ought to be gained. So it is our belief that question time should be held today, but we will not be opposing the motion.

Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just for the record, I indicate the opposition’s support for the motion. We do believe that at a time of national tragedy of this kind it is more appropriate for the parliament to get on with parliamentary business. While question time is obviously from an opposition’s point of view a critically important part of the process—and I respect what Senator Brown is saying—we think that, at a time when the nation is focusing on the tragedy in Victoria, the potential for things to occur during a parliamentary question time which would not be conducive or consistent with the national mood is such that it is appropriate that there not be a question time today.

Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just on the motion, I would like to say that I am very reluctant to agree with the government. Question time is very important. But I think that what happened on the last weekend does overshadow nearly everything that we do.

Question agreed to.