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

Madam Temporary Chairman, I seek leave to recommit the vote on Senator Ludlam’s amendment R18 on sheet 7019.

Leave granted.

Senator Ronaldson was the absent senator who did not make up the numbers which would have tied the vote, which would then have negatived the vote. Senator Ronaldson, along with a number of other senators, very wisely seek leave in advance for the last Friday of the last week of sittings. Leave was recalled from all senators when the Senate extended its sittings, and there has been a communication error with Senator Ronaldson’s office and the understanding of the leave withdrawal was not completely comprehended. On that basis Senator Ronaldson is absent from the parliament, so I seek leave to recommit the vote. The upside for the government is that they now have an additional pair.

Question put:

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