Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Chair, as I acknowledged, it's not unusual, particularly in relation to the 'stand as printed' questions, when there is movement of questions going backwards and forwards, that senators—as I have seen over the years from all sides—have at times needed to request that a question be re-put as a result of the fact that they are opposing an amendment that is being put but, to oppose the amendment, they need to vote in the affirmative. That is a quirk of Senate practice. The Senate has long acknowledged that it doesn't make legislation by misadventure, that it reflects the will accurately of the chamber. That is why I make the request for that to be recommitted in relation to that question. But it is not unusual, Senator.

The CHAIR: I think the minister is going to seek leave for the question to be re-put at an appropriate time.

I so do; thank you, Chair.

Leave granted.