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

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So you are supporting the motion?

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

Yes.

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

Senator Brown, I think the answer will satisfy you, but I am not sure.

Question agreed to.