Sue Lines (President) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, I listened very carefully to the motion as outlined by the minister, and I heard the minister say, 'And I move that the question now be put.' If I agreed with you, I would not have then called the motion because I would not have heard those words. Those words were spoken. I think this could be resolved by me inviting the minister to put the question again, if that resolves it for you.

Opposition senators: No!

I believe that we are at the point of putting the question, and that's what I intend to do. The question is that the motion as moved by the minister be agreed to. Those of that opinion say aye.

Government senators: Aye!

Those against—

Opposition senators interjecting—

The one that the minister has moved—the one that you asked me to read out; the last motion that was moved by the minister. The question is that the motion as moved by the minister be agreed to. Those of that opinion say aye.

Government senators: Aye!

Those against.

Opposition senators: No!

Division required. Ring the bells for one minute.

Opposition senators: Four minutes!

Four minutes.

A division having been called and the bells being rung—

Opposition senators interjecting—