Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of Senator Chandler, I move:

That the Senate requires the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee to schedule its supplementary estimates hearings to commence at 9 am and conclude at 11 pm, and if the committee concludes its consideration of items of expenditure it can adjourn earlier than 11 pm in accordance with the requirements of standing order 26(4).

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) 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.

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

The government opposes this motion, and it is disappointing that the opposition has brought it to the chamber instead of letting the committee deliberate independently as is the usual practice. The hours we work in this place, particularly during rounds of estimates, are often unfriendly to families. Where we can make these hours more family friendly without impeding the operations of the Senate, we should. The government is of the view that the committee's adopted program represents a positive opportunity to trial some small changes that may make a welcome difference. I commend the excellent Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Senator Ciccone, on this proposal, and I encourage senators to respect the decision-making of the committee and oppose this motion.

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

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 353, standing in the name of Senator Chandler and moved by Senator Askew, be agreed to.