Senate debates Leave of Absence


Bob Brown

Bob Brown Tasmania, Australian Greens

3:38 pm

I move:

That leave of absence be granted to Senator Wong from 15 to 18 September 2009.

Question agreed to.

I rise on a point of order. Deputy President, it would be very helpful to the Senate if, in moving such a motion as the minister just did, a reason were given for the absence of an important minister during that period.

It is not a point of order, Senator Brown. I cannot instruct them how to write their motions, or in what order the motions ought to be.

Joe Ludwig

Joe Ludwig Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate

3:41 pm

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Alan Ferguson

Alan Ferguson Deputy-President

Leave is granted for two minutes.

Joe Ludwig

Joe Ludwig Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate

As I understand it the absence relates to parliamentary business. If I can seek further information from the minister I will convey your inquiry to her. That may help.

Stephen Parry

Stephen Parry Tasmania, Liberal Party

3:40 pm

by leave—I move:

That leave of absence be granted to Senator Joyce from Tuesday 15 September to Friday 18 September 2009, for personal reasons.

Question agreed to.