Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I have not had an opportunity to discuss this with Senator Hinch. We are reluctant to grant leave when we have not been advised of this, as a matter of courtesy, ahead of this leave being sought. We would have considered it, but the Labor Party, as I understand it, has not been advised of this. We would usually request that, if a senator is seeking to obtain leave from the chamber to do so, we be given the courtesy of being advised of it so that we can have a position. So we are disinclined to agree to it.

What I do understand is there is an issue with whether or not arrangements could be made for photography for a particular vote which is coming up in that week. Some informal discussions have been held on that, and I have indicated we are quite willing to have that discussion. But in the absence of being advised and having some consultation internally, we are disinclined to give leave to amend a motion which has already been passed.