Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On relevance, Madam Acting Deputy President—I've seen the amendment which has been circulated by Senator McKim, which he's speaking to. I'm not expecting you to make a decision now—I'm happy for you to take it on notice—but under standing order 118:

An amendment may be made to any part of a bill, provided that it is relevant to the subject matter of the bill …

Whilst I'm aware that these things can be interpreted liberally, in this case, Senator McKim's amendment does not relate to social security at all. It doesn't relate to an immigration matter at all. It is my submission that, if this amendment were accepted, then it would be possible for any amendment on any subject matter to be crafted and attached to any such second reading motion. On that basis, I request that you take this matter under advisement and come back to the chamber with respect to whether or not it's relevant under standing order 118.