Senate debates Regulations and Determinations
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Amendment (2020-21 Budget Programs) Regulations 2021; Disallowance
Peter Whish-Wilson Tasmania, Australian Greens
7:30 pm
I missed a division a little bit earlier. I seek the Senate's indulgence to recommit for a vote on that and provide an explanation as to why I missed the division. It was in relation to disallowance motions Nos 1 and 2 in the name of Senator Waters and Senator McAllister.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
As a courtesy to the chamber, Senator Whish-Wilson, could you please give an explanation on why you wish to see that vote recommitted?
Peter Whish-Wilson Tasmania, Australian Greens
Yes. I narrowly missed out on getting in the doors as I have a dicky hip at the moment and I couldn't run fast enough.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
I will need guidance on whether leave will be granted here.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
7:31 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Leave granted.
I simply also wanted to indicate, in relation to Senator Whish-Wilson's request, that Labor had also received voting instructions from Senator Griff, who, as you know, has been accommodated in his absence over this week and last week. Those instructions were also not reflected in the votes. The government had received those as well, I understand.
Zed Seselja ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
I would want to take a little bit more guidance on this. We are open to it, but, what I would—
Zed Seselja ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
I seek leave to make a brief statement.
Leave granted.
I would suggest that we move to the appropriations bill and have the opportunity to have a discussion out of session and see whether or not this can be accommodated.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Senator Steele-John, are you seeking the call?
Jordon Steele-John WA, Australian Greens
7:32 pm
I seek the call only to offer something for your guidance, Chair.
Leave granted.
On the one time that I have ever missed a division for an access reason, not dissimilar to Senator Whish-Wilson, the chamber was kind enough to allow the vote to be recommitted, so I feel there's a precedent there.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
I seek leave to make a further contribution.
Leave granted.
It is my understanding that, in this place once an explanation has been provided, it is common to allow a recommittal. I appreciate that Senator Seselja may need a little bit of time to consult with his colleagues, and I note that colleagues have come into the chamber. I wonder if the Senate might give them that time and allow us to make a determination about this, because it is our understanding that this would ordinarily be acceptable.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Senator Whish-Wilson has requested leave. So unless Senator Whish-Wilson wishes to defer that to a later time—Minister?
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
7:33 pm
I seek leave to make a 10-second statement.
Leave granted.
With the indulgence of the chamber, could I request that the matter be sought to be brought forward in 15 minutes time?
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
Why?
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services
Because I have no idea what the situation is at the moment.
Senator McAllister interjecting—
I'm not denying that at all. Can you just give me two seconds to get my head around what is going on here?
Sue Lines Deputy-President
Order! Minister, resume your seat. Let's not have a discussion across the chamber. The matter is currently that Senator Whish-Wilson has asked for leave. Unless Senator Whish-Wilson is going to withdraw that request and take this discussion out of the chamber, that will need to be decided upon. Senator Whish-Wilson, are you still asking for leave?
Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
I seek leave to make a short contribution on the procedural matter.
Leave granted.
If it assists the chamber, we would like this matter revisited. We note the request for a brief period. If perhaps that period could be expedited, perhaps while I'm on my feet, until such time as I run out of valuable contributions to make on this matter, we could perhaps deal with it as an active question before the chair. I am endeavouring to assist the chamber, as you can see; I'm very generous like that. I can continue in my generosity for as long as is required to resolve this important matter.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
Senator Waters, could you please resume your seat.
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
Leave has been denied. It is open for a senator to revisit this issue later on. We are moving on, as per the order of the Senate, to the matter at hand.
Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
Yes. With leave—briefly—we are relying on the minister's—
Larissa Waters Queensland, Australian Greens
I will just note for the chamber's benefit—
Slade Brockman WA, Liberal Party
No, leave is not granted.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Senator Waters, resume your seat. I will just clarify the matter. Is leave granted?
Dean Smith WA, Liberal Party
7:36 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Leave granted.
Having listened to the contributions of Senator Waters, Senator Ruston and others, I'm confident that, should Senator Whish-Wilson seek to recommit the vote soon, the government will be in a position to accommodate that. The whips might be able to advise each other when that time is available. Then Senator Whish-Wilson might like to make his request again.