Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That if the second reading debate for the Climate Change Bill 2022 and a related bill has not concluded by 7.20 pm on Wednesday, 7 September 2022:

(a) the hours of meeting be 9.30 am till adjournment;

(b) the routine of business from 7.20 pm be consideration of the Climate Change Bill 2022 and a related bill—second reading speeches only;

(c) the Senate adjourn without debate at the conclusion of the second reading debate or on the motion of a minister, whichever is the earlier; and

(d) if a division is called for after 7.20 pm, the matter before the Senate be adjourned until the next day of sitting at a time fixed by the Senate.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) 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.

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

While the opposition is not against additional sitting hours, we don't accept that this proposal is appropriate. Firstly, we note these extra hours are being brought on just one day after the bill was introduced into the Senate and there has been no attempt to even use the normal hours of the Senate. Secondly, the bill changes nothing, as the targets it legislates have already been adopted by the government and committed to under the international agreement, so there is no urgency in this bill that actually changes nothing. Thirdly, the government has been making a big deal about a more family friendly parliament and sitting hours yet here we are in a greatly hypocritical move with the government proposing an open-ended debate that could see people sitting here well beyond midnight for a bill that changes nothing. We oppose the motion.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) 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.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens will be supporting this motion. We believe and understand that taking climate action is an urgent priority. It should be an urgent priority for all of us. While this bill is largely symbolic, it now binds the government to a promise that they will get on with it, so we want the bill dealt with. We have worked to strengthen it, so get it done and then get on with the real work.

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

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1, standing in the name of Senator Gallagher, as moved by Senator Chisholm, be agreed to.