Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
11:45 am
President, I seek your clarification as to the application of amended standing order 66, which was amended earlier today by notice of motion No. 705, which was rammed through. I'm seeking clarity on when that takes—
Scott Ryan President
It applies from the next day of sitting, so it will apply from Tuesday 4 August, I think it is.
Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
Can I just seek your clarification: that's actually not what it says. Is it that an amendment is required so that it doesn't apply to today?
Scott Ryan President
My understanding is that that is the effect of the motion. I did check this before. I'm happy to be corrected if someone would like to correct me, as always, but that's the effect of the resolution passed. I did seek to check its effect—I don't have it in front of me—but it applies—
Scott Ryan President
You're free to challenge the ruling if you wish, but it will be dealt with again next time.
Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
I'm simply seeking to understand, because the words of the motion actually don't say that it doesn't apply today. They imply that it commences immediately.
Scott Ryan President
I did check. The minister made the point in his contribution regarding it earlier. I did check, and that's the ruling I'm issuing.
Mathias Cormann WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council
11:46 am
To assist the chamber, it's very clear that the intention is for this to apply from the next day of sitting in August, when we get back. This is obviously not a time to have debate; this is a time to deal with formal motions, which are meant to be simple motions that are voted on without amendment or debate.
Scott Ryan President
I thank the minister. I've checked with the Clerk. He confirms my ruling, which is that this was dealt with via suspension of standing orders. The effect of the resolution was explained at the time. That's my ruling. I plan to proceed to notices of motion.