John Hogg President
9:45 am
I move:
That, in accordance with section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the Senate approves the proposal by the Department of Parliamentary Services to improve exterior lighting within the Parliament House precinct.
Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?
Bob Brown Tasmania, Australian Greens
I seek leave to ask the minister a question about the motion.
Leave granted.
I would just ask the minister if she could tell the Senate if the in-ground lighting that is referred to in this proposal is environmentally high quality.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water
9:46 am
Senator Brown, I was not aware that the Greens were going to raise any issue at this point in the debate. I do not have substantial information on this proposal. I would have to get advice from DPS on the detail of this proposal. If the senator wishes us to do that, I think the President has indicated by way of nodding at me that we would be very happy to provide that.
Bob Brown Tasmania, Australian Greens
I do not want to delay the matter. I thank the minister for that. It has just come to my attention—I am not ambushing her with this. We will proceed to support the motion on the basis that there is compact fluorescent or other energy efficient lighting in the in-ground component of this proposal.
John Hogg President
Senator Brown, I think the answer will satisfy you, but I am not sure.
Question agreed to.