Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Chairman, I wish to make a personal explanation of less than 60 seconds. Comment has been made about the fact that I actually voted against an amendment I moved. I want to explain to the Senate that in moving the amendment I indicated I was not absolutely convinced of the amendment that I was moving but that I did want there to be debate on it. It looked like there was never going to be debate. Having heard the minister address the amendment, I then indicated that the minister had convinced me, which is what parliament is all about, that the amendment had no merit. You might recall, Mr Chairman, I then even sought leave to withdraw the amendment, but leave was not given. I just wanted to explain that to the chamber.