Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That—

(a) consideration of bills under standing order 57(1) (d) (i) relating to private senators' bills shall not be proceeded with and that government business shall have precedence over all other business for 2 hours and 20 minutes;

(b) when consideration of general business concludes, government business shall be called on and considered till 6 pm; and

(c) divisions may take place after 4.30 pm.

In speaking to the motion, I acknowledge the assistance of colleagues around the chamber in the management of this, the final day of sittings for the year. In particular, I acknowledge that the opposition have offered their private senator's bill time today for government business, which is greatly appreciated. I also acknowledge that Senator Hinch has indicated that, at the conclusion of his contribution, he is happy for general business time to revert to government business. I understand that there may be another senator who wishes to make a contribution in general business time, but the motion that we have before us is that, once contributions have finished, we will go to government business.

I should, in particular, thank Senator Farrell, as it was his bill which was going to be debated in private senator's bill time this morning. I also acknowledge the Australian Greens, who indicated at the leaders, managers and whips meeting yesterday that, while they have a range of views on legislation that we have before us today that may be at variance from ours and those of the opposition, nevertheless they—together with the crossbench senators—will be working with us to see that we can conclude the business that is listed before us today. Can I again thank colleagues from across the chamber for their cooperation and for their assistance in making sure that the Senate today will be a place that can transact the people's business.