Senate debates

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Committees

Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference

3:46 pm

Photo of Sean BellSean Bell (NSW, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Hanson, I move:

(1) That the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 3 September 2026:

(a) the appropriateness of granting tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), or charity status to Equality Australia;

(b) prior decisions of government bodies, tribunals or courts in relation to the DGR status of Equality Australia;

(c) the appropriateness of granting DGR status to lobby groups;

(d) patronage of Equality Australia; and

(e) any other related matters.

(2) That standing order 193(2) not apply to the inquiry.

Photo of Matt O'SullivanMatt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—At the request of Senator Cash, I move an amendment as circulated:

Omit paragraphs (1)(a) to (e) and paragraph (2), substitute:

(a) the appropriateness of granting tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), or charity status to lobby groups including, but not limited to, Equality Australia and the Environmental Defenders Office;

(b) prior decisions of government bodies, tribunals or courts in relation to the DGR status of Equality Australia and other lobby groups;

(c) any other related matters.

3:47 pm

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

I just note that it feels as though that side of the chamber can't work out—

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

who they want to beat up on the most—

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

the LGBTI community or the koalas.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Order! May I remind you, Senator Hanson-Young, that you don't stand and launch into a statement; you stand and seek leave. I called you three times. You completely ignored me. That's incredibly disrespectful when I was simply calling you to order. I remind senators that you do not stand up and launch into a statement. You seek leave. Senator David Pocock, were you seeking leave at the same time or not?

Photo of David PocockDavid Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | | Hansard source

 No.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that an amendment to business of the Senate No. 5 moved by Senator Cash be agreed to.

3:54 pm

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate No. 5, standing in the name of Senator Hanson, be agreed to.