Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I think there was limited discretion that was available to the Speaker on that particular issue. I say, though, that, with the number of speakers who are on the list, I do believe we will need to do more than what is in this current resolution. I indicate to the government that the opposition is willing to work with any further additional hours. Anything that has an agreement that all speeches go for 10 minutes rather than 15—as long as it's all at 15, our members will use the time as well, but, if there's agreement to go to 10, we're very happy to facilitate that. I am concerned that, if we let the debate go too long, we'll end up with other members who want to move amendments feeling frustrated with the time available. There is goodwill across the chamber, and we want to make sure, particularly on a conscience vote issue, that no debate is gagged and everyone get the opportunity to make their speeches. In saying that, we support the resolution.

Question agreed to.

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