Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The government opposes this motion, and it is disappointing that the opposition has brought it to the chamber instead of letting the committee deliberate independently as is the usual practice. The hours we work in this place, particularly during rounds of estimates, are often unfriendly to families. Where we can make these hours more family friendly without impeding the operations of the Senate, we should. The government is of the view that the committee's adopted program represents a positive opportunity to trial some small changes that may make a welcome difference. I commend the excellent Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Senator Ciccone, on this proposal, and I encourage senators to respect the decision-making of the committee and oppose this motion.