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

Mr Acting Deputy President Bernardi, I seek leave of the Senate to make a 30-second statement about a vote in the Senate recently.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There being no objection, leave is granted for 30 seconds.

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

Thank you. I have been engaged, as we all have, in lots of meetings since the debate on excise. I did indicate during my second reading contribution that I would vote against that bill. I felt sure that the Greens, who spoke against the bill, would have called a division, and I would have been able to vote. I am horrified to find now that, in spite of opposition, the Greens have, for the first time ever, not called a division. Therefore, I was unable to record my vote against the legislation. I just wanted to make that clear.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Macdonald. We will now go back to the second reading debate.