Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the order of the Senate of 21 March 2002 relating to photographs in the Senate chamber cease to have effect on and from 30 September 2014.

David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that the outcome of this motion, if implemented, would allow the cameras and the media to take photographs of us sitting in the chamber at any time. I am very uncomfortable about that. If I rest my eyelids, I do not want that to be interpreted that I am sleeping. That will be the outcome of this change in the rules. I would like to think that the business of the Senate can proceed without us being forced to sit up and pretend that we are paying attention and looking alert, to the satisfaction of the media.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, can I move that this motion be postponed until tomorrow?

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

Senator Macdonald, you would not be able to move that. You would have to seek leave of the chamber to do that.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, could I seek leave to make a statement for less than one minute?

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, as you know—and congratulations on the work you have done—I have been following these changes quite closely. I must say that if Senator Leyonhjelm is correct then I have misunderstood the full import of this particular motion. I think I understand the other two. But I am always bright and alert and, unlike Senator Leyonhjelm, I always have my hair nicely done! If Senator Leyonhjelm is correct, perhaps it is something we all do need to have another think about.

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

Senator Macdonald, I will just take the opportunity to make a brief explanation in relation to what this motion is allowing. This motion is allowing photography in the chamber to coincide with exactly what is happening in the House of Representatives. We have had a slightly more stringent photographic policy in this chamber. There have been numerous requests over a long period for that to change and revert to what happens in the House of Representatives. The Procedure Committee considered that and the Procedure Committee thought it appropriate after consultation. That is the basis of the motion. The motion does not allow certain types of photography, but we are in a public place and the public can see us at all times.

Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to move that this motion be adjourned until a week's time.

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

That is fine.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, if I could just say, as Chair of the Procedure Committee, I do not have an objection to this particular motion being put off for a week. The committee can go ahead with the other changes without that particular issue. If there are some concerns, I think it is in the spirit of the Procedure Committee that we try to get broad agreement before we proceed with any changes. Can I seek leave to withdraw that motion?

Leave granted.

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

We will not proceed with this motion.