Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with the order agreed earlier today, time for consideration of this bill has expired.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Pursuant to contingent notice of motion, I would move that so much of standing orders would be suspended—

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A point of order. There is a different issue before the chair. Senator Cash cannot do this. She cannot do it whilst you are in the middle of an item. There's no break. We are currently dealing with the message.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

From my perspective—but I will seek advice—I am bound by the previous order, which means all questions must be put in sequence, but I will seek advice on whether a member of the Senate can stand and seek to suspend the standing orders. Senator Cash, the advice from the clerks is that you have the ability to seek the call in this instance and move as you are intending.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Pursuant to contingent notice standing in my name, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent further consideration of the bill without limitation of time.

I will now address the chamber.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You sat.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, I didn't.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the question be now put.

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

The question is that the question be now put.

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

The question is that the motion to suspend standing orders, as moved by Senator Cash, be agreed to.

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

Pursuant to order, I will put the remaining stages of the bill.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a first time.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

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

I will now deal with the second reading amendment circulated by the Australian Greens. The question is that the Australian Greens amendment on sheet 3270 be agreed to.

Australian Greens' circulated amendment—

At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate calls on the Government to ensure that early childhood education is universal, free and high-quality across Australia".

Question negatived.

The question now is that the bill be read a second time.

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

I will now deal with Committee of the Whole requests for amendments circulated by the Australian Greens.

Steph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to withdraw Greens amendments on sheet 3271.

Leave granted.