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

At the request of Senator Scarr, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) coal mining at Acland has been a big employer for 92 years and helped support the town of Oakey over that time,

(ii) the Acland mine has been seeking approval to extend the mine and guarantee work for 500 coal miners for 14 years,

(iii) while the mine has received all of its federal and state government environmental approvals, these are set aside due to court processes and Queensland Government delays,

(iv) if stage 3 of the mine proceeds the mine would provide secure employment for 481 full time employees,

(v) the Queensland state government is refusing to issue a mining lease or water licence for the Acland mine extension until court cases are resolved, a test they have not applied for other coal mines in Queensland,

(vi) already more than 200 coal miners have lost their jobs thanks to Queensland Government delays, and more face the sack at the end of July as the mine is forced into care and maintenance, and

(vii) businesses in Oakey are struggling because of the reduced economic activity at the mine; and

(b) calls on the Queensland Government to issue the mining lease and water licence, consistent with precedent, to save jobs and protect the future of the town of Oakey.

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

The question is that motion No. 1166 be agreed to.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, it has been brought to my attention that Senator Rennick was taking a photograph of opposition senators during that division. I understand that is not permitted.

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

I didn't see anything. No photos are permitted to be taken in the Senate chamber by senators. There are rules for the taking of photos and their publication, which are available on the parliamentary website. If anyone has taken a photo, I would encourage them to delete it immediately. Senator Rennick, did you take a photo in the chamber with your phone?

Honourable senators interjecting—

Whenever a question is asked of a senator when it comes to a matter of conduct in the chamber, the chair always defers to the answer given by the senator. If a photo was taken, it is out of order.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm sorry, but I have no confidence that Senator Rennick is going to observe your ruling. I trust that you will follow that up.

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

If a photo is published in the chamber, then that would be a breach of order. I take every senator at their word. When I am asked to address a senator on conduct inside the chamber, I always take a senator at their word, as have previous chairs. There is footage of the chamber that can otherwise be used. I think many senators have taken advantage of it, but photos can't be taken by senators on the floor of the chamber.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My understanding on the guidelines and procedures around that is that it's the possession of the photo as opposed to the publication of the photo that might be relevant here, in which case—

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

I think it's the publication, off the top of my head. I would have to check the rules.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could you have a look at the difference between the two?

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

Yes. I believe the rules go to the publication of photos, primarily. I'm going to look at the Clerk. Yes. I might say that it wouldn't be the first time I've seen senators pull out a phone in a way that might make me suspect they've taken a photo. The rules, in my view, have always related to the publication of such photos, whether that be on social media or otherwise. If I'm wrong, I'll come back to the chamber.