Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Australia's Engagement in the Pacific) Bill 2023

The majority voted against an amendment introduced by Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim (Greens), which means it failed. This amendment text would have been added to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time" (to read a bill for a second time is to agree with its main idea).

Amendment text

… but the Senate:

(a) notes the advocacy of Pacific leaders that the greatest threat to the wellbeing of the region is the threat of runaway global heating caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas; and

(b) resolves that Australia must:

(i) not open up any new coal mines or gas fields; and

(ii) remove the billions of dollars spent each year subsidising the exploration, extraction and burning of fossil fuels".