Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade
1:32 pm
I seek leave to move a motion relating to the routine of business for today.
Sue Lines President
Is leave granted? Leave is not granted.
A government senator interjecting
You need to actually say yes.
Government senators: Yes.
Thank you. Senator Ayres.
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade
I move that the fair work (registered organisations) amendment—
Sue Lines President
Senator Hanson-Young, you're not even in your seat. Wait just a moment, Senator Ayres. Senator Hanson-Young?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
You asked whether leave was granted. There was a 'no' from this side.
Sue Lines President
There wasn't a no, Senator Hanson. What I heard was—
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
It's Senator Hanson-Young, and there was a 'no' from this side.
Sue Lines President
Senator Hanson-Young, in this regard I am the umpire, and what I heard was nothing. I re-put it, and I heard yes. I have given Senator Ayres leave.
No, Senator Hanson-Young. I've called it.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
You actually said there was a no.
Sue Lines President
Senator Hanson-Young, I did not say there was a no, and I'm not in a debate with you. If you sit down, I will explain to you. I asked, 'Was leave granted?' and I heard nothing. Then I re-put it, and I heard a chorus of yes.
Senator Hanson-Young, you're not debating with me. Resume your seat. You are out of order.
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade
I move that the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal from Amalgamation) Bill—
Nick McKim Tasmania, Australian Greens
I think the Senate needs some clarity about what just happened, because from where I sat, President, it seemed that you indicated leave had been denied. We took that, on the face of it, to mean that you had heard that there was a denial of leave. I just want to place on the record that the Australian Greens will deny leave to this request.
Sue Lines President
I will explain it once more, and then I am continuing with the business. Senator Ayres stood and asked for leave. I asked, 'Is leave granted?' I heard silence. I heard nothing, so I put it again and there was a chorus of 'yes'. That is my decision. I am standing by it.
Senator Shoebridge, if this is on the same point of order, I don't have to hear you. I'm not going to hear you if you're on the same point of order. Please resume your seat.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
We have standing orders, not presidential rules!
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, I'm not entertaining your point of order. Unless you are raising something new, please resume your seat. Senator Ayres?
Tim Ayres NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade
I move:
That
(a) the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal of Amalgamation) Bill 2024 be considered immediately and have precedence over all other business until determined;
(b) the questions on all remaining stages of the bill be put following the passage of this motion; and
(c) divisions may take place for the purpose of the bill.
Sue Lines President
The question is that the motion as moved by Senator Ayres be agreed to.
A division having been called and the bells being rung—
I have been informed by the Clerk that we cannot hold divisions between 1.30 and 2.30, so the vote will be deferred until after 2:30. We will now move to two-minute statements.