Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move—

That—

(a) so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent this resolution having effect;

(b) the Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 be restored to the Notice Paper and that consideration be resumed at the stage reached in the last session of the Parliament; and

(c) further consideration of the bill be made an order of the day for the next day of sitting, and that the bill have precedence over all other Government business on 2 May 2016 and following sitting days until it is finally determined.

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 Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This legislation to axe the so-called gold pass scheme for former MPs was passed in the House of Representatives in October 2014—more than 500 days ago. This motion seeks to ensure that this bill is debated on 2 May, when the parliament resumes, in order that we can deal with it once and for all. Either the government is fair dinkum about getting rid of this perk, or it is not. That is what this motion is about.

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

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

The government already intends to restore the Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 to the Notice Paper on 2 May 2016. It will be brought on by the government for debate once the Senate has dealt with preceding government priorities. It is a longstanding and important convention that the government determines the sequence of government business.

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

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