John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I can later in my speech, Senator Conroy, share some of these experiences—if that is necessary—with members of the opposition. But I would suggest that the correct course of action here, in the first instance, is for us to hear from the senator concerned what the circumstances were surrounding their absence from the division. That ought to be provided to the Senate as a matter of urgency.

I would hope that, under the new leadership in opposition of Senator Minchin, the Liberal and National parties—the coalition—are going deal more consistently with these issues. I happen to believe that is in the long-term interests of the Senate. I believe it is in the long-term interests of both the Labor and the non-Labor parties in this place. It happens to be a good way for the Senate to work. Because everybody in this chamber knows that so much of what occurs in the good management of this place happens outside the chamber. So much depends on goodwill and on negotiations that are conducted with a reasonable spirit, but most importantly where commitments can be made and honoured.

This is a very significant budget measure. It has a huge impact on the government’s recent budget, and what the government is about to be asked to do is recommit a vote knocking over a budget measure when the opposition has not had the internal discipline even within its own party to vote on this matter. Do not forget—and no senator should underestimate the significance of this—