John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2 standing in my name for today.

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

Is leave granted?

Kerry O'Brien (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am not sure. I have not been advised of this proposal. It would be useful if there were some consultation.

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

I remind senators that standing order 66(3) says that, if formality is sought, a formal motion shall be put without debate and without amendment. Senators can get leave. Leave can be granted for anything. But I remind senators of that standing order, because I think there has been a tendency in recent times for that not to be done.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a very short statement.

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for two minutes.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I indicate on behalf of the government that, if Senator Williams wants to delay his motion, we will grant leave for it to come back later on. That would give us a chance to look at his amended motion so that we can facilitate the business of the Senate. If he would like to show it to Senator O’Brien in the meantime, we would certainly come back to it.

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

Do you agree with that, Senator Williams?

John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I agree with that.