Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Macdonald, McKenzie, Seselja, Williams, McGrath, Paterson, Duniam, Reynolds, Fifield, Abetz, Bushby and Brockman, move:

(1) That the Senate:

(a) notes that Australia Day is on 26 January and should remain so; and

(b) recognises that Triple J's Hottest 100 has become an iconic event since it was first proposed during Australia's bicentennial year in 1988.

(2) The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Charter states a function of the Corporation is to broadcast programs that contribute to a sense of national identity.

(3) The ABC should restore the Hottest 100 to Australia Day, 26 January.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government strongly supports Australia Day being held on 26 January, as do the overwhelming majority of Australians. The coalition government will never change the date of Australia Day, period. Australia Day, our national day, is a day to celebrate our nation's values and achievements. It is a day of reflection and relaxation with our families, friends and loved ones and is not to become a lefty, green political football. Millions of Australians from all walks of life vote for the Hottest 100. The ABC should stop wasting taxpayers' money on political agendas, uphold its charter and support Australian values.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 614, standing in the names of Senators Canavan, Macdonald, McKenzie, Seselja, Williams, McGrath, Paterson, Duniam, Reynolds, Fifield, Abetz, Bushby and Brockman, be agreed to.

Senator Dodson did not vote, to compensate for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Parry.

Senator Farrell did not vote, to compensate for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Nash.

Senator Lines did not vote to compensate for the resignation caused by the vacancy of Senator Xenophon.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will convey the query from the whips: in relation to what, Senator Hanson-Young?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's in relation to the motion just negated.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is not granted.