Senate debates Committees
Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference
John Madigan Victoria, Democratic Labor Party
4:36 pm
I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 March 2014:
The form of a referendum on an amendment to the Constitution confirming that all powers pertaining to making laws for marriage rest with the Commonwealth and that those powers may only be used to confirm marriage to be the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life, with particular reference to:
(a) what question should be put to the electors;
(b) any effect of the alteration on the Parliament's powers under section 51(xxi) of the Constitution;
(c) the level of state and territory support;
(d) the potential ramifications for states and territories if such an amendment was made; and
(e) any other matters that the committee considers may be relevant to a decision on whether to conduct a referendum, and the timing of any referendum.
Question negatived.
Stephen Parry Tasmania, Liberal Party
I only hear one voice—I am sorry, Senator Madigan—so there cannot be a division. Senator Madigan, do you want your name recorded as voting for that motion?
Claire Moore Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women
4:37 pm
by leave—Mr Deputy President, in that last vote the opposition were supporting Senator Madigan, and we did vote in favour of that motion.
Stephen Parry Tasmania, Liberal Party
I know, but the numbers were against you because the Greens were voting with the government. There was no division called, and you supported Senator Madigan.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
Can I just clarify that the Labor Party just voted with Senator Madigan on that motion? That is what I would like clarification about.