Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Birmingham, and pursuant to contingent notice, I move:

That so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent motion No. 1151 relating to Italian Republic Day being moved immediately and determined without amendment or debate.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Those of that opinion, say aye; to the contrary, no. The ayes have it? The noes have it? Division required. Ring the bells for one minute. Senator Abetz?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I think you might find that the second 'no' was called from outside the actual chamber.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If that was the case—I will ask again. I know the two voices, but I didn't spot them. Was one of the noes called from outside the well of the chamber? I would ask senators to own up, because I can check the video.

An honourable senator interjecting—

In that case, the division is cancelled. One needs to be within the chamber, even with our COVID rules. The only place you can't be is in the advisers boxes or behind that rail. Anywhere else in the chamber, I would deem the chamber, and the Senate has concurred for COVID safety. Given the contentious nature of this period of debate, I will apply the rules quite strictly. Senator Duniam, the motion was carried. You can move motion No. 1151.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that Western Australia's Italian community celebrated 'Festa della Repubblica' or Italian Republic Day on 2 June 2021;

(b) notes that Italian Republic Day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people voted to become a republic following the end of World War II and the fall of Fascism;

(c) recognises the significant contribution members of the Italian community have made to the state of Western Australia; and

(d) further notes that:

(i) since the Australian Census of 1911, the Western Australian Italian community has expanded from approximately 2,300 to more than 120,000, and

(ii) the WA Italian Club Inc was established in 1934 to support Italian migrants starting a new life in Western Australia and has since become a cultural institution for residents of Italian heritage.

Question agreed to.