Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

Sean Bell

At the request of Senator Hanson, I move:

(1) That the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 3 September 2026:

(a) the appropriateness of granting tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), or charity status to Equality Australia;

(b) prior decisions of government bodies, tribunals or courts in relation to the DGR status of Equality Australia;

(c) the appropriateness of granting DGR status to lobby groups;

(d) patronage of Equality Australia; and

(e) any other related matters.

(2) That standing order 193(2) not apply to the inquiry.

Matt O'Sullivan

by leave—At the request of Senator Cash, I move an amendment as circulated:

Omit paragraphs (1)(a) to (e) and paragraph (2), substitute:

(a) the appropriateness of granting tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), or charity status to lobby groups including, but not limited to, Equality Australia and the Environmental Defenders Office;

(b) prior decisions of government bodies, tribunals or courts in relation to the DGR status of Equality Australia and other lobby groups;

(c) any other related matters.

Sarah Hanson-Young

I just note that it feels as though that side of the chamber can't work out—

Sue Lines

Senator Hanson-Young!

Sarah Hanson-Young

who they want to beat up on the most—

Sue Lines

Senator Hanson-Young!

Sarah Hanson-Young

the LGBTI community or the koalas.

Sue Lines

Order! May I remind you, Senator Hanson-Young, that you don't stand and launch into a statement; you stand and seek leave. I called you three times. You completely ignored me. That's incredibly disrespectful when I was simply calling you to order. I remind senators that you do not stand up and launch into a statement. You seek leave. Senator David Pocock, were you seeking leave at the same time or not?

David Pocock

No.

Sue Lines

The question is that an amendment to business of the Senate No. 5 moved by Senator Cash be agreed to.