Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That:

(a)

the amendment to standing order 72, contained in attachment 3 of the report, be adopted as a temporary order with effect to the end of 2008; and

(b)

the amendment to standing order 25(9), at page 3 of the report, be adopted.

This Procedure Committee report was agreed across the parliament as a means of introducing some new procedures which we think will benefit the proceedings of the parliament. It was agreed, after I think a good discussion, to try and introduce some positive change that allows the parliament to function more effectively. While the list of matters considered in the report covers five issues, the report only seeks changes to procedures in relation to two. They are: firstly, the matter of questions to chairs of committees, where we think some change is useful given the way that issue has developed over the years; and, secondly, an issue which I think was raised originally by Senator Parry, an anomaly in relation to the deputy chairs of committees. Senator Parry may well speak about that. I think these are both sensible changes that have been agreed across the procedures committee and I think they should enjoy support across the Senate.