14th Feb 2022, 1:07 PM – Representatives Motions - Covid-19: Morrison Government - Don't let a vote happen

The majority voted in favour of disagreeing with a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules - known as standing orders - in order to allow another vote takes place. The motion was introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor). This means that that second vote will not occur.

Motion text

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me from moving the following motion immediately—That the House:

(1) notes:

(a) the Prime Minister has refused to listen to calls to make rapid antigen tests free and accessible through the Medicare system for all Australians;

(b) this means workers on modest wages have been forced to pay for their own tests, simply to be able to go to work, resulting in a pay cut for those workers;

(c) more than 150,000 Australians have signed this ACTU petition calling for rapid antigen tests to be made free and accessible; and

(d) the government should listen to these Australians, act now to make rapid antigen tests free and accessible through the Medicare system, to take pressure off family budgets, protect workers and get our economy moving again; and

(2) agrees that this petition may be tabled immediately by the Manager of Opposition Business.