MOTIONS › Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, Australian Greens
Senator McKENZIE (Victoria—Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (11:08): It gives me great pleasure to rise and speak to— Senator Shoebridge: What is this? The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Chandler ): I'm in the hands of the chamber. Senator Watt: They had the call. The call has to be rotated. You know that, Senator McKenzie. Senator McKENZIE: I'm the leader of the party. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Wong. Senator Wong: I've put a proposition to the chamber. It didn't include a further speaker from the opposition, for the reasons I've outlined. I'm suggesting a speaker on the substance from the government and the Greens, and then that the motion be put. Senator Birmingham: I understand what the Leader of the Government in the Senate is proposing in relation to the suspension motion. I seek to understand what is being proposed if the suspension motion is carried, as the Leader of the Government in the Senate seems to indicate that the government's predisposition is to allow it to pass. What is the government's position in relation to the substantive motion? Obviously, it would then be moved by the opposition. There would be— Senator Wong interjecting— Senator Birmingham: I think, to enable the motion to pass—and have the benefit of the motion passing—that would be welcome.