Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to clarify a point with the chair, if that's okay? Forgive me, Chair. I have a number of questions to put to the minister in relation to both the amendment and the bill in its totality. I'm seeking your guidance as to when best to make the contributions, both to this amendment but also to the bill generally, for I, like Senator Brown, would like to get a bit more detail on the government's legislation here.

The CHAIR: What the minister has done is move the government's amendments. There are still other amendments there, and the debate hasn't been closed down. No-one wanted the call, so I'm obligated to put the motion that the minister has moved. That's where we are: the minister has moved that first amendment, but it doesn't shut down debate, because we're still in committee of the whole.

Thank you, Chair. I do apologise, but when Senator Brown finished I did attempt to get the call. I might have missed your line of sight.

The CHAIR: My apologies. As you all know, the minister is not required to answer questions. It's entirely up to the minister as to what statements or questions she answers. The minister wants to make some explanatory remarks now around the amendment that she has moved, so we'll go to the minister and then to you, Senator Steele-John.