Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That, if, by 12.45 pm on Thursday, 10 December 2020, the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill 2020, and the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020, have not been finally considered:

(a) the bills be called on immediately and have precedence over all other business until concluded;

(b) if, after 1 hour, consideration of the bills has not concluded, the questions on all remaining stages then be put without amendment or debate, and

(c) paragraph (b) operate as limitation of debate under standing order 142.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Morrison government firmly believes that tackling this devastating issue requires an ongoing focus, ensuring we remain vigilant about the welfare of our defence and veterans communities. This is why the government has committed to passing these bills before the end of the year and believes the Senate should consider these bills properly with due process.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One Nation supports formalising the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill 2020 that provides almost the exact powers as a royal commission. I support the appointment of Dr Bernadette Boss CSC as the interim National Commissioner and note her statutory independence from government.

Veterans' suicide levels in a first world country like Australia is nothing short of a national disgrace. To deliberately stymy the passing of this bill is a shameful, blood stained act of all who stand in its way. One Nation will not entertain this political stunt designed to vote down this important bill. I implore every single senator to give the National Commissioner a go for at least the next two years.

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

The question is that motion No. 927, moved by Senator Lambie, be agreed to.