Kerry O'Brien (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Senate. This exhibition is funded by Mr Kerry Stokes. Locations for the exhibition were chosen by the Australian War Memorial, which is an independent cultural institution. The Australian War Memorial Council is made up of eminent Australians appointed by government and is an independent decision-making body. It is not the practice of this government, nor has it been the practice of previous governments, to interfere with the decisions of the Australian War Memorial. On aspects of this motion which go to activities other than those of the government, the government would not have difficulty in supporting it, but given its wording and the fact that just recently Senator Barnett has indicated that he would prefer to put the motion today rather than reconsider another form of words we government senators will be forced to oppose this motion.

We will not be calling for a division. We recognise that the motion of Senators Barnett and Williams will have majority support, with the coalition and the Greens, in the chamber.

Question negatived.