Waters, Sen Larissa

Senator WATERS (Queensland—Leader of the Australian Greens in the Senate) (12:05): I seek leave to move a motion ordering the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to attend the chamber for 10 minutes upon conclusion of this debate on this motion, to explain whether Labor will either return to the CFMEU any of the millions of dollars it has received from the CFMEU or make a donation of an equivalent amount to a registered charity—perhaps even a charity supporting women fleeing family, domestic and sexual violence. Leave not granted. Senator WATERS: Pursuant to the contingent notice standing in my name, 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 give precedence to a motion relating to an order for the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to attend the chamber for 10 minutes upon conclusion of debate on this motion to explain whether Labor will return any of the millions in donations it has received from the CFMEU. We have not received donations from the CFMEU for over 10 years, and I can't see that changing. I'm confident the party would not accept any should they be offered, yet Labor have taken—we now hear, from the minister—$6 million. So it is baffling that they are trying to make this about the Greens. Senator Wong: On a point of order: I want to seek clarification. I think we've had two suspensions. We would generally not have a third. I would like to be clear about that. I think Senator Gallagher will say something, but I make that point. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Minister, I understand that, given one of the suspensions was successful, the argument doesn't hold that it's delaying the business of the chamber. The minister has priority. Then I'll go to the other side. Senator Gallagher interjecting— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Okay. Senator McKenzie.