Closing the Gap

The majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules - known as standing orders - in order to let another vote take place. This means that other vote will not occur. There was one rebellion, with Bass MP Bridget Archer (Liberal) crossing the floor to vote against the rest of her party.

Motion text

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion immediately:

That the House calls on the Prime Minister to:

(1) support the Opposition's call for a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities;

(2) audit spending on Indigenous programs; and

(3) support practical policy ideas to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians to help Close the Gap.