Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition have decided to deny formality to this motion because we believe that issues such as the one raised in this motion should not be dealt with in formal business. We have made this position clear on several occasions when similar motions have been moved in this place, and this decision to deny formality is consistent with that approach. I would like to briefly remind senators of the comments made by the President of the Senate just last week, where he said:

What was once a time to deal with matters that didn't require debate or amendment has become a pseudo-debate where senators are required to vote on matters without an opportunity for discussion. What was once non-contentious is now the most combative business period. It isn't serving its purpose and is rapidly cascading into farce.

This motion seeks to have the Senate vote quickly on a matter which many senators hold deep and personal views on. I would also like to note that moving motions in this chamber that relate to issues that the federal parliament does not have any direct legislative jurisdiction over is not the correct use of the Senate's time.