Senate debates

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Nation Building Program (National Land Transport) Amendment Bill 2009

In Committee

Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.

1:42 pm

Photo of Scott LudlamScott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

In the second reading debate, I put a couple of questions through to the minister and I am wondering whether you are in a position to address those. This is broad, big picture stuff about Australia’s preparation, effectively, for fossil fuel depletion.

1:43 pm

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

I was just seeking some information for you, Senator Ludlam, on that matter. If I could just seek confirmation, there was an indication given from the opposition benches that the Greens were not supporting the government’s amendment to the opposition’s second reading amendment and that you were supporting their amendment. So I am just seeking clarification. Perhaps you might be able to clarify the position of the Greens, as I do not think you were in the chamber when those matters came up.

Photo of Scott LudlamScott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

That is right—I was actually out of the chamber at the time. But no, just to correct the record, I had given no such undertaking. We will be supporting the government’s amendment to the second reading amendment moved by Senator Macdonald.

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

Sorry, you are or you aren’t?

Photo of Scott LudlamScott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

We will be supporting your amendment to the second reading amendment.

Photo of Guy BarnettGuy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator Ludlam, I will alert you to the fact that that motion has been determined and Senator Macdonald’s amendment has been passed. We are now in committee.

1:44 pm

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you for clarifying that. But, given that there was some confusion in the chamber, which I am sure was completely unintentional, I move:

That progress be reported.

Question agreed to.