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) the time and order of business for Tuesday, 29 May 2012 being as follows:

(a) the House shall meet at 12 noon;

(b) the Federation Chamber shall meet from 12 noon until 1.45 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and standing order 193 (Members' Constituency Statements) shall be suspended;

(c) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. 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 the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance; and

(d) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. 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 at the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance, if the Member then so desires; and

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

I thank the Manager of Opposition Business for his cooperation in this matter. To explain the reasons for moving this motion, it is intended that tomorrow we will start debate at 12 o'clock. That will enable more discussion to be held. There will not be votes during that period, but given that there are a number of budget related bills which must be carried, either this week or in the first week we are back in June, this is preferable to us sitting late at night in terms of the convenience of the House. I have said to the Manager of Opposition Business that it is up to him which legislation we debate, but at this stage it is intended that we will debate the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Amendment Bill 2012 for which there are enough speakers on the list to more than fill that two hours. I thank the House for its cooperation.

Question agreed to.

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