Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government has an agreed protocol on complex and contested motions in the Senate including foreign affairs motions. The government believes that such motions can have unintended consequences and should not be resolved without a proper opportunity for debate. This protocol has been confirmed with the opposition by an exchange of letters between Senator Abetz and Senator Wong. The opposition have the same position. Senator Abetz has written in these terms to other Senate party leaders and to other party and independent senators for their information.