Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A ballot is required for the crossbench position on the Northern Australia Committee. Before the Senate proceeds to ballot, the bells will be rung for four minutes.

The bells having been rung—

Order! It is necessary to hold a ballot for the crossbench position on the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia. I understand it is the wish of the Senate for that ballot to be held now. The Senate will now proceed to ballot. Ballot papers will be distributed to senators. The candidates are indicated on the ballot paper.

Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, I seek leave to make a short statement in support of my candidacy.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm proud to put my name forward to be a member of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia. I have a deep abiding commitment to Northern Australia, its people, its places and cultures. The Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia requires members with a deep knowledge, understanding and respect for the region. As a regionally based senator who has spent the majority of my life living and working in northern Queensland, I bring these qualities to the role.

I have spoken extensively about my time spent as a teacher in northern Australia, but my experience doesn't only come from decades of living and teaching in the north. I also have significant commercial law experience working in trade and transport, with a focus on marine industries, which are critical for many communities across the north. I also hold the portfolio of northern Australia for the Greens, alongside the portfolios of industry, transition and regional development. I'm well placed to make a meaningful contribution to the important work of this committee.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

I have lived and worked in northern Queensland and I've been all over northern Queensland and much of the rest of the country in the north. I understand what makes the north tick, and I have been to every community and every town in North Queensland, and I listen to the people there. I've contributed through the previous committee on northern development, and I believe I'd make a valuable contribution to this committee.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I now ask that the ballot papers with the candidates on them be distributed. I invite Senator McKim and Senator Roberts to scrutinise the count.

A ballot having been taken—

The result of the ballot is as follows: Senator Allman-Payne, 36; Senator Roberts, 31. Therefore Senator Allman-Payne is elected as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, nominated by a crossbench senator.