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

I move:

That the Senate calls on the Australian Government to make representations to the British Government to undertake the permanent return of the so-called ‘Elgin Marbles’ to the Greek Government and the people of Greece recognising that the marbles were part of the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens and should be returned to their historical home.

Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 484 standing in the name of Senator Bob Brown by omitting the words ‘so-called Elgin Marbles’ and substituting them with the words ‘the Parthenon Marbles’.

Leave granted.

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

by leave—I note this very reasonable amendment and Senator Xenophon’s Grecian earnestness. I am very happy to accept the amendment. I move the motion as amended:

That the Senate calls on the Australian Government to make representations to the British Government to undertake the permanent return of the Parthenon Marbles to the Greek Government and the people of Greece recognising that the marbles were part of the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens and should be returned to their historical home.

Barnaby Joyce (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just want to say that I feel wonderful about the whole day!

Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You need to seek leave to say anything, Senator Joyce, so let us not confuse the issue.

Question agreed to.