Days and Hours of Meeting

The majority voted against a motion that was introduced in the name of ACT Senator Katy Gallagher (Labor), which means that it failed.

Motion text

That the order of 30 March 2023 relating to the hours of meeting and routine of business for Budget week be varied to read as follows—

(1A) On Wednesday, 10 May 2023:

(a) the routine of business from 6 pm be consideration of the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 and related bills only and, unless determined earlier, the question on the second reading be put immediately;

(b) divisions may take place after 6.30 pm for the purposes of the bills only;

(c) if consideration of the bills is concluded before 8 pm, the Senate shall return to its routine of business and adjourn at 8 pm; and

(d) if consideration of the bills is not concluded before 8 pm, the Senate adjourn without debate at 10 pm, after consideration of the bills has concluded, or on the motion of a minister (whichever is earlier).

(2) On Thursday, 11 May 2023:

(a) the hours of meeting be 9 am to adjournment;

(b) if consideration of the following bills has not concluded by 1 pm, the questions on all remaining stages be put without debate:

Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Data Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2023

Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023

National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023 Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023;

(c) paragraph (b) operate as a limitation of debate under standing order 142;

(d) the sitting of the Senate be suspended from 5.30 pm till the ringing of the bells (at approximately 8 pm); and

(e) on resumption, the routine of business be:

(i) Budget statement and documents-party leaders and independent senators to make responses to the statement and documents for not more than 30 minutes each,

(ii) adjournment proposed, and

(iii) adjournment.