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

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 (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for two minutes.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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 (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.