John Madigan (Victoria, Democratic Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask that general business notice of motion No. 344, standing in my name for today relating to Falun Gong practitioners be taken as a formal motion.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal? Formality has been denied, Senator Madigan.

John Madigan (Victoria, Democratic Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

John Madigan (Victoria, Democratic Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge the policy of the government and the opposition to deny formality to motions that may have foreign affairs implications. However, I wish to put on the record that the practice of forced organ harvesting in countries, including China, should not be ignored under any circumstances. I and the DLP believe that all should have the freedom to practise their religion without fear or favour.

I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners, who have made the trip to Canberra here today. 20 July 1999 is an important date in history and one which must not be forgotten. I look forward to further debate on this matter in the Senate in future.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government has an agreed protocol on complex and contested motions in the Senate including foreign affairs motions. The government believes that such motions can have unintended consequences and should not be resolved without a proper opportunity for debate. This protocol has been confirmed with the opposition by an exchange of letters between Senator Abetz and Senator Wong. The opposition have the same position. Senator Abetz has written in these terms to other Senate party leaders and to other party and independent senators for their information.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge the work done by Senator Madigan in this area and also the fact that we did discuss our position yesterday. I also acknowledge the number of people who have come here with interest in this motion. As we have confirmed and as Senator Fifield has confirmed as well, we have an agreement that issues that are complex, particularly to those to do with foreign affairs matters, need to be taken up in a wider area rather than in a notice of motion and that will continue to be our practice. I would like to acknowledge Senator Madigan's interest.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a brief statement on behalf of the Greens.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would also like to acknowledge Senator Madigan for bringing this motion before the Senate. I would like to acknowledge all those who have joined us in the public gallery and apologise on behalf of the Senate that the major parties do not believe this chamber has the maturity to debate an important motion. It may well be complex but it is extremely important that these issues are aired in the Australian Senate. I would have thought that we could have at least done Senator Madigan the courtesy of a vote and a debate if necessary. Again, I acknowledge Senator Madigan for bringing this matter forward and think that the Australian parliament needs to look at its procedures when these sorts of issues come forward so that we do have the maturity to debate them and put them to a vote if necessary.