Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Pursuant to request, I will now go to Senator Anning for matter No. 1205.

Fraser Anning (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 1205, standing in my name for today, relating to Queensland abortion laws, be taken as a formal motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?

An honourable senator: Yes.

There is an objection. Senator Whish-Wilson?

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order, I was going to ask if you could explain the request. I want to understand why he was given precedence.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I had a number of requests from senators that, given the limited time available today, I move through the Notice Paper on a numerical basis.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So it's possible to make requests in future?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, I always indicate to the Senate at the start of general business that I essentially seek permission to deal with them in a manner that facilitates all of them being dealt with in a convenient way, but any senator, under the standing orders, is entitled to ask that their motion be dealt with on numerical basis—that is, in the order listed on the Notice Paper. That is why I started with 1190, and the next number listed, because 1200 has been postponed, is 1205.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could I ask for clarification? What form would the request take?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senators approach me all the time with respect to a number of matters being dealt with today.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We don't have to put it in writing to you?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No. You're allowed to stand up in the Senate chamber, Senator Whish-Wilson, and ask, as other senators have done, that this matter be dealt with.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So is it possible to make a request to you now about other motions that—

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would do it with whoever is in the chair at the time.