Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I will just briefly indicate the opposition’s position. I have listened very carefully to Senator Sherry’s remarks in relation to transparency and I have listened in silence to Senator Brown’s questions. I do think it is appropriate that I indicate that our position on the amendment is that we will not support it, not because I do not think that transparency is important—I could raise some issues in relation to it—but because I am firmly of the view that a provision to summon parliament to come back if it is adjourned and for the Presiding Officer to summon the House to meet, in spite of anything contained in the resolution of adjournment of that House, is not necessary to ensure transparency. To the coalition, summoning to meet seems to be a bit excessive.

Question put:

That the amendment (Senator Bob Brown’s) be agreed to.