Jeannie Ferris (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That leave of absence be granted to: Senator Ian Campbell for the period 15 to 21 June 2006, on account of government business overseas; and Senator Ellison on 15 and 16 June 2006 on account of family reasons.

Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Of course, we will give leave. But I want to note here that both ministers, for whatever reason, are asking for leave from this place tomorrow. The government has insisted that we sit tomorrow, Friday, to truncate the normal sittings of the Senate. We are sitting here fewer days, if you discount election years, than any Senate since 1964. We are being forced into long sittings, and the guillotine and gag are being used. I note that it is a bit cute of the government to be asking the Senate to excuse ministers but forcing everybody else to sit Fridays because it does not like this place.

Question agreed to.