Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, on the point of order. I understand what Senator Ian Macdonald is seeking to do. Unfortunately, the challenge Senator Macdonald has is that it would in fact contravene section 92 which says:

An amendment to a question may not be moved if it is the same in substance—

this does not apply—

as an amendment already determined to the same question, or would have the effect only of reversing an amendment already made.

The amendment has been made and carried. The will of the Senate has been expressed. The amendment that you are now seeking would reverse that. On that basis—

Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—

By removing it that is what you are doing. We could argue that. I am simply pointing to the rule. I am happy to give leave to any other amendment you may wish to make or if you want to add to the amendment; but in the sense that the amendment you are proposing would have that effect then the point of order is not made. Mr President, the ruling that you have provided is the correct one.