Patrick Secker (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Just before question time, Speaker, you would be aware that there was a vote on the coalition amendment to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment Bill 2012, which was defeated 70 votes to 69. However, the member for Lilley and Deputy Prime Minister was meant to be absent due to an agreed pairing arrangement between the whips. I now have in my possession an email from the government whips office confirming that they will honour that pairing that was agreed for the Treasurer and the shadow Treasurer. I am happy to table that email or provide you with a copy. If that pair is honoured, the vote would have been tied—putting an entirely different result to the votes and proceedings of the parliament. Therefore, I request that you, Speaker, investigate and report back to the House.

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