Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, my response to what you raised—and I did receive your message during that particular count—is that both whips were—

Government senators interjecting—

It's a fair point to raise. Both whips were advised and the chamber was advised on numerous occasions that this was to be a one-minute bell because we had had numerous divisions in the lead-up. This motion was actually about the ordering of business at the Senate next time, and I've made the point in the chamber twice today that, when statements are being made on matters on the Notice Paper, they should relate to the motion, not necessarily the substance. This motion was about managing the business of the Senate when we resume in August.

If any senator in the future would like to flag with me an issue that they think is of enough import that they would insist on a four-minute bell, I am very happy to take that in advance. I was not advised in any way in this case that there would be a request for a longer bell, even on the two occasions when I made the point to the chamber that there would be a one-minute bell. But I take the point. I do rely on advice from senators.