Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the committee report progress.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—As I understand it, Senator Parry has just sought in the committee to report progress. We have just gone into committee. There was no explanation for that, so could Senator Parry provide some explanation. We would not want to be in a position where the opposition are not proceeding with IR. I think we are all ready to proceed. Could he provide an explanation and then we will get to where we need to get to shortly. I can guess what it is, but it might be helpful if he lets us all know—and the gallery might be interested too.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Senator Ludwig is correct. He can anticipate what I am going to ask. I did seek leave from the chair but was informed that I needed to report progress prior to that. I will seek leave to recommit the vote on the customs tariff and excise tariff bills. Obviously one of our senators did not attend the chamber in the four-minute time period available. I have not ascertained the reason but, as you can imagine, I will be ascertaining that reason. I understand that Senator Scullion is now here and he will make a personal explanation. He will seek leave to do that. Then we would seek leave to recommit the vote, as has been common practice in this place from both sides on many occasions.

Question agreed to.

Progress reported.