Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
3:16 pm
I seek leave to move a motion relating to the variation of business.
Leave not granted.
Pursuant to contingent notice, I move:
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me moving a motion to provide for the consideration of a matter, namely a motion to allow a motion concerning the routine of business today, to be moved immediately and determined without debate.
And I move:
That the question be now put.
Sue Lines President
3:22 pm
The question is that the question be now put on the motion to suspend standing orders.
Sue Lines President
3:23 pm
The question now is the motion to suspend standing orders be agreed to. Senator Hanson-Young?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
I would like clarification from the leader of the government in this matter. We have heard accusations and a call from the Leader of the Opposition that, in order to gag this vote, the government would have to offer them the transmission inquiry.
Rather than just rushing this through right now, we need to know: has a deal been done, called on by the gas industry cuddling up to—
Sue Lines President
Senator Hanson-Young, I gave you the call because I thought you were taking a point of order. If you are making—
Sue Lines President
You are not. Senator Hanson-Young, seek leave to make a statement and see if leave is granted.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Leave not granted.
Pursuant to standing orders—
Sue Lines President
No. Senator Hanson-Young, we are in the middle of suspension. Please resume your seat. The question now is that the motion to suspend standing orders be agreed to. Senator Hanson-Young, on a point of order?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
Yes, Madam President, because I did not seek leave to suspend on the basis that I was being told that the minister was going to clarify whether a deal has been done for Santos—
Sue Lines President
Senator Hanson-Young, please resume your seat. I have to complete putting the division. I will state the question again so that everyone understands what we are doing. I am not entertaining anyone else standing. The question now is that the motion to suspend standing orders be agreed to. Ring the bells for one minute.
A division having been called and the bells being rung—
Nick McKim Tasmania, Australian Greens
I don't have all my senators here.
Sue Lines President
Senator McKim, nothing's changed. The bells will be rung for one minute. There's been no debate in between.
Nick McKim Tasmania, Australian Greens
I want to place on the record that we do not agree with a one-minute ringing of the bells.
Sue Lines President
Senator McKim, I explained to you there has been no ensuing debate. I am putting the question. The call has been for one-minute bells. Senators, please resume your seats. You are out of order, Senator David Pocock and Senator Rice. Resume your seats. Senator Rice, are you seeking to take a point of order?
Janet Rice Victoria, Australian Greens
I am seeking to ask a question, President.
Sue Lines President
No, Senator Rice, please resume your seat. Senator Pocock, we are in the middle of a count. If you wish to be counted, please resume your seat.
Sue Lines President
No, please resume your seat. You won't be counted if you are not sitting.
Glenn Sterle WA, Australian Labor Party
I heard that: 'we're all on the take'.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
3:31 pm
I move:
That a motion relating to the routine of business today may be moved immediately and determined without amendment and debate.
And I move:
That the question be now put.
Sue Lines President
The question is that the question be now put on the procedural motion moved by the minister. I advise senators that we have not changed the rule as to the calling of a division. So we can't hold further divisions, because it's after 3.30.