Senate debates

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Matters of Urgency

Human Rights: Iran

5:35 pm

Photo of Anne UrquhartAnne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I'd like to know the Labor Party's position on it.

Photo of Helen PolleyHelen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

We've had the explanation and there's no point of order.

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

No, the explanation was on why it was cancelled. I'd like to know the government's position.

Photo of Helen PolleyHelen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I had given Senator Scarr the call.

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Helen PolleyHelen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Hanson-Young, would you like to restate your point of order?

5:36 pm

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I too would like clarification as to who voiced the noes in the chamber, or, indeed, what the government's position is.

Photo of Helen PolleyHelen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Urquhart, I'll give you the opportunity if you feel you need to clarify the position.

Photo of Anne UrquhartAnne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

For the record, can I make it clear that there were no noes coming from the opposition benches.

5:37 pm

Photo of Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I'd also like to make it clear there were no noes coming from the Greens benches in relation to that motion.

5:38 pm

Photo of Anne UrquhartAnne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

For the sake of confidence in the chamber, I will declare that there were no noes in the chamber from the Labor Party.