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

I seek leave to have a new vote held for part (b) of motion 791 and for that to be recommitted.

Leave granted.

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

Senator McGrath?

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can we find out why the government wishes to recommit?

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

My understanding was that the vote was called and it didn't reflect the will of the Senate and a division wasn't called.

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

Senator McKim?

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I couldn't quite hear Senator Chisholm's explanation. It's the usual practice of the Senate that, if you want a vote to be put again, you be very clear. Suggesting that the vote didn't reflect the will of the Senate is not a satisfactory explanation for having a vote recommitted.

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

Senator McKim, it is a clear indication of Senator Chisholm's position. He has put it in that way. We will put the vote again, and it's really up to senators.

Order! Senator Lambie, Senator Chisholm has indicated that, in his view, it does not reflect the view of the chamber. I'm going to put the question.

Senator Lambie! Firstly, I haven't called you. You've just stood there and yelled out at me.

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

That is not a reason. We want to know why it does not reflect the Senate's wishes. Why is that? If you are embarrassed, too bad, but why?

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

That is the exact question Senator McKim asked. I've given an explanation. I'm going to put the question. The question is that paragraph (b) of general business notice of motion No. 791, as amended, standing in the name of Senator Thorpe be agreed to.