Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
5:35 pm
On the previous matter of urgency in the name of Senator Chandler, which was called for the ayes, I incorrectly advised my deputy whip to call for a division. That's why the division was cancelled.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
I'd like to know the Labor Party's position on it.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
We've had the explanation and there's no point of order.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
No, the explanation was on why it was cancelled. I'd like to know the government's position.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I had given Senator Scarr the call.
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party
Perhaps we could ask for some clarification. I understand Senator Urquhart's explanation with respect to the cancellation of the division. But the Hansard record will show that there were noes stated in the chamber before the division was called. Those noes came from the government benches, so I think it would be useful to know whether the clarification is that those noes were unintended, or were they intended?
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
Senator Hanson-Young, would you like to restate your point of order?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
5:36 pm
I too would like clarification as to who voiced the noes in the chamber, or, indeed, what the government's position is.
Helen Polley Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
Senator Urquhart, I'll give you the opportunity if you feel you need to clarify the position.
Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
I think I've outlined that I gave the wrong advice to the deputy whip in terms of the position of calling the division, and I have clarified the incorrectness of my decision.
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party
For the record, can I make it clear that there were no noes coming from the opposition benches.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
5:37 pm
I'd also like to make it clear there were no noes coming from the Greens benches in relation to that motion.
Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party
5:38 pm
For the sake of confidence in the chamber, I will declare that there were no noes in the chamber from the Labor Party.