Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:

(1) Government business having precedence until 11pm tonight at which time the House shall stand adjourned until 9am tomorrow:

(a) during the period from the time this motion is agreed to until 11pm any division on a question called for in the House, other than on a motion moved by a Minister during this period, shall stand deferred until tomorrow morning after the Prime Minister has made a statement on Closing the Gap, the Leader of the Opposition has replied to the statement and the Leader of the House has moved any related motions; and

(b) during the period from the time this motion is agreed to until 11pm if any member draws the attention of the Speaker to the state of the House, the Speaker shall announce that he will count the House tomorrow morning after the Prime Minister has made a statement on Closing the Gap, the Leader of the Opposition has replied to the statement and the Leader of the House has moved any related motions, if the Member then so desires; and

(2) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.

This motion is being moved for the benefit of members and also the staff of the parliament, and I thank the opposition for their support of this resolution, which provides some certainty about the conduct of the House this evening. It will ensure that those speakers who have indicated that they wish to participate in the debate on the fairer private health insurance legislation will be able to participate in the debate. If the debate concludes before 11 pm then the divisions on the second reading will be held tomorrow, but it will also ensure, I think, that members are able to participate. I would expect, from a rough calculation, that it is possible that debate will conclude before 11 pm tonight, but this enables members to go about their business in a way which I think suits the convenience of members. It also, of course, provides certainty for our hardworking parliamentary staff. I commend the resolution to the House and thank the opposition for the way in which they have responded to my suggestion on this motion.

Question agreed to.

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