Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the government business order of the day relating to the consideration of the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 3) Bill 2015 be discharged from the Notice Paper.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. This motion seeks to discharge from the Notice Paper the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 3) Bill 2015. That legislation seeks to abolish the seafarers tax offset and reduce the rate of the research and development tax incentive, which was designed to promote innovation and encourage Australian companies to invest more in research and development. This legislation has been hanging over the heads of Australian companies considering investing in R&D for nearly six months and, unless the Senate takes action today, it will continue to cause uncertainty for companies that want to invest in R&D and innovation for at least the next three months. Striking this legislation from the Notice Paper would remove uncertainty and send a strong message to Australian companies that they can make decisions around investing in research and development and innovation with certainty about the tax incentives available to them.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) 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.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Senate. This motion from the Greens seeks to have government legislation removed from the Notice Paper without allowing for proper consideration and debate by senators. All senators from all sides of the chamber should be allowed the opportunity to consider legislation, contribute to debate and then vote on bills that come through this place and not have legislation struck off the Notice Paper at the whim of any senator or political party—in this case, the Greens. I call on all senators to reject this motion and allow the Senate to do its job of properly reviewing legislation that is before it, including this bill.

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

The question is that the motion moved by Senator McKim be agreed to.