David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator O'Sullivan, I move:

That the Senate notes:

(a) the importance of the sugar industry in Australia;

(b) the unique marketing challenges that face this industry; and

(c) the importance of the current marketing arrangements within the industry that have contributed to the stable and equitable status of this industry for over 100 years.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At present the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the current and future arrangements for the marketing of Australian sugar. The reporting date is 30 April 2015, and Labor believe that the committee process should be completed before we support statements about the current marketing arrangements. Therefore, Labor will not be supporting Senator O'Sullivan's motion at this time.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, Senator Moore took the words right out of my mouth.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is a good sign!

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was going to make the point that this is the subject of a Senate inquiry at the moment. A motion of this nature should wait until the Senate inquiry has concluded.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Bushby at the request of Senator O'Sullivan be agreed to.

Barry O'Sullivan (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I seek leave to withdraw the motion.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The motion is withdrawn.