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

We accept, albeit reluctantly, the government’s position. I have a question, through the chamber, to the minister. Can he assure the Senate that any errors that occurred in communication will be rectified so this will not happen in the future? I commend Senator Fielding, who did not object to leave being granted. That is meritorious of Senator Fielding. I also indicate that the advance notification that Senator Ludwig just indicated cuts both ways. One of our senators who went on shadow ministerial duties outside Canberra may well have not gone if we had been given advance notification of the ballot taking place today before he flew out of here yesterday afternoon. The advance notification issue can cut both ways. I do not know what the suitable form of notification is, but maybe that is something for the Procedure Committee to examine at a future time. The opposition will be supporting this motion.