25th Nov 2021, 11:37 AM – Representatives Business - Rearrangement - Let a vote on the integrity commission take place

While the majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules - known as standing orders - in order to let a vote happen, this particular motion required an absolute majority and so it did not pass.

An absolute majority requires at least half of all MPs plus one more to vote in favour, which should be about seventy-seven votes (half of the 151 current MPs, plus one). Due to current travel restrictions across the country, it's unclear whether it is even possible to achieve an absolute majority during the pandemic, which is a point made by Indi MP Helen Haines (Independent), who introduced the motion.

Notably, Bass MP Bridget Archer (Liberal) seconded the motion, despite her party's opposition to it. She also went on to cross the floor to vote in its favour.

Motion text

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent:

(1) the private Members' business order of the day relating to the Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2021 standing in the name of the Member for Indi being called on immediately and passage of the bill through all stages taking priority over all other business during periods of government business until its completion;

(2) a maximum of 2 hours being allocated for the second reading stage with a maximum of 10 minutes per Member speaking; and

(3) if consideration of the bill has not been completed by 1 pm, any questions necessary to complete the House's consideration of the bill being put to the House immediately and without debate.