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

As I have indicated previously, we have always taken the view that the chamber’s view ought to be properly reflected, and that has been a longstanding position of the Labor Party. But I think some of this has been a bit disingenuous in the sense that what is clear is that, given the indication of the two Independents and the Greens, this will change the vote in that what was carried will now be defeated. I am happy for that to be the case if we are honest about it—and I do not think that contribution was all that frank, Senator Parry—but, if that is your claim, be upfront about it and say that you think the will of the chamber was not reflected and that senators were not in the chamber. Quite frankly, Senator Fielding, we are happy if people miss a division, but to come in and say, ‘I wasn’t here; can we do it again?’ is pushing the courtesies to a great extent.

Having said all that, as long as we are upfront about this—not misleading and not having Senator Xenophon talking or whatever—and if the claim of the opposition is that they did not win the vote because it got mucked up and they would rather that we extend them the courtesy of having the vote again so they can get a different result, and they are prepared to say that, I am prepared to agree to it.