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

Yesterday, I informed the Senate that I had received letters from Senator Leyonhjelm and Senator Rhiannon seeking appointment to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. There are two nominations for one position on the committee, the position to be nominated by any minority group or Independent senators. In accordance with the standing orders, a ballot will be held to determine which one of the two senators who have nominated is to be appointed. The Senate will now proceed to a ballot to appoint a senator to the position to be nominated by a minority group or Independent senators. The candidates are Senator Leyonhjelm and Senator Rhiannon. Before proceeding to a ballot, the bells will be rung for four minutes.

The bells having been rung—

Order! Ballot papers will now be distributed in order to conduct the ballot. I will remind senators that there was some confusion during the last ballot that was conducted, so can senators remain in their seats for the duration of the ballot. We ask you to place on the ballot paper the name of your preferred candidate, being either Senator Rhiannon or Senator Leyonhjelm. I invite Senator Siewert and Senator Leyonhjelm to come to the table to act as scrutineers.

A ballot having been taken—

There being 33 votes cast in favour of Senator Leyonhjelm and 37 votes cast in favour of Senator Rhiannon, Senator Rhiannon is elected as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters nominated by a minority group or Independent senators.