Senate debates Bills
Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund) Bill 2017
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
12:20 pm
Chair, I seek leave to recommit the vote on the Greens' amendment on sheet 8435 on the communications legislation.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Senator Hanson, we're not dealing with government business at this particular time.
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
I am aware that the vote has been taken on that bit of communications legislation, and it is about to go to the lower house. I know that a recommitment of this bill at this time, before it goes to the lower house, is importunate on this chamber and therefore I'm seeking leave to recommit the amendment.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Thank you, Senator Hanson. We will test the proposition. Is leave granted?
Leave not granted.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
12:21 pm
Excuse me, Madam Deputy President. We have a longstanding agreement in this place that if the will of the Senate has not been reflected, and if a senator wishes to have a vote recommitted, that we allow that to happen so that the will of the Senate can actually be reflected. What we've heard from the leader of One Nation is that there was a mix-up in the vote on the Greens' amendment, and One Nation would like it to be corrected so that the will of the Senate is properly reflected. It's a longstanding principle, and I urge you to reconsider.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Thank you, Senator Hanson-Young. My understanding is that we will not process the matter any further until this issue's resolved. Senator McGrath, you're seeking the call?
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
12:22 pm
What I can say is that we are seeking instructions in terms of where we're at at the moment. Our response to Senator Hanson is: can you just please leave it with us for a short period of time, and we'll be able to come back to you.