Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I do not agree with Senator Brown’s views totally. The government and the opposition, ever since the Senate was established, have worked cooperatively where necessary. We do not give away time willingly and easily; we discuss that quite seriously with the government. The government are always on notice that, if they do not manage the time that is allocated, we will not give them that time. In fact, we have berated the government for mismanagement in not allowing enough time for consideration during sitting weeks earlier in the year. So I do not agree with Senator Brown’s comments. And can I add, Mr President, without denigrating this debate: if we did not sometimes waste time on frivolous divisions where the outcome is known, we could gain four to eight minutes per division. At least the government is sensible about dividing in this place.