The majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that a motion on whether to pass the bill can be voted on without delay.

Darren Chester voted moderately against suspending the rules to allow a vote to happen (procedural)
How Darren Chester voted compared to someone who believes that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators should vote to suspend standing and sessional orders (that is, the procedural rules of Parliament) so that their colleagues can introduce motions for Parliament to vote on even when the the procedural rules would prevent them from doing so
Division | Darren Chester | Supporters vote | Division outcome |
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28th Nov 2019, 1:03 PM – Representatives Defence Service Homes Amendment Bill 2019 - Third Reading - Speed things alongShow detail |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
28th Nov 2019, 9:51 AM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion by the Leader of the Opposition, Grayndler MP Anthony Albanese (Labor), which means it failed. The motion would have suspended the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that a vote could take place. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
26th Nov 2019, 4:45 PM – Representatives Questions without Notice: Additional Answers - Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by the Leader of the Opposition and Grayndler MP Anthony Albanese (Labor), which means it failed. The motion was to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that a vote can take place. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
26th Nov 2019, 3:07 PM – Representatives Motions - Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that a vote on the division below could take place. This means that the vote will not happen. Division text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
25th Nov 2019, 12:08 PM – Representatives Private Members' Business - Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke, which means it failed. The motion was to suspend the usual procedural rules of Parliament (known as standing orders) so that a vote could take place. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
24th Oct 2019, 3:18 PM – Representatives Motions - Manager of Opposition Business - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to make an exception to the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that a vote can happen. This means that the vote won't take place. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Oct 2019, 3:06 PM – Representatives Motions - Economy - Suspend the usual rulesShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual parliamentary rules (known as standing orders) so that a vote can happen. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
15th Oct 2019, 5:12 PM – Representatives Motions - Climate Change - Suspend the usual rulesShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt (Greens), which means it failed. The purpose of this motion was to suspend the usual parliamentary rules (known as standing orders) so that another question could be put to the House. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
15th Oct 2019, 4:18 PM – Representatives Motions - Casinos - Suspend the usual rulesShow detailA large majority voted against the motion introduced by MP for Clark Andrew Wilkie (Independent), which means it failed. This motion was to suspend the usual parliamentary rules (known as standing orders) so that another vote could take place. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a large majority |
25th Jul 2019, 3:19 PM – Representatives Motions — Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against suspending the usual procedural orders so that Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor) could move a motion (see below). In parliamentary jargon, they voted to suspend the standing orders. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
24th Jul 2019, 9:50 AM – Representatives Motions - Pensions and Benefits - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against suspending the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) so that MP for Rankin Jim Chalmers can move his motion. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
22nd Jul 2019, 3:23 PM – Representatives Motions - Ministerial Conduct - Suspend the rules to consider a motionShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by the MP for Watson Tony Burke (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
3rd Apr 2019, 10:03 AM – Representatives Motions - Budget - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by McMahon MP Chris Bowen (ALP), which means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
21st Feb 2019, 10:39 AM – Representatives Motions - Dairy Industry - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
21st Feb 2019, 10:02 AM – Representatives Motions - Dairy Industry - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
20th Feb 2019, 3:35 PM – Representatives Motions - Government Procurement - Suspend rules to let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Rankin MP Jim Chalmers (Labor), which means MP Chalmers won't be able to introduce the motion he wanted as set out below. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
6th Dec 2018, 3:32 PM – Representatives Motions - Energy - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen. It was introduced by Labor Senator Chris Bowen, meaning it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
3rd Dec 2018, 12:28 PM – Representatives Motions - Morrison Government, Women in Parliament - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion moved by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek, which means it failed. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
29th Nov 2018, 3:13 PM – Representatives Motions - Morrison Government - Suspend rules to let vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
17th Oct 2018, 5:55 PM – Representatives Motions - Minister for the Environment - Let a vote happenShow detailThe same number of representatives voted for and against the motion. As the Speaker explained:
In other words, the motion did not succeed as it couldn't reach majority Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Oct 2018, 4:19 PM – Representatives Motions - Racism - Suspend the usual rules to allow a vote to happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion, which means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
20th Sep 2018, 12:14 PM – Representatives Motions - Minister for Home Affairs - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules of Parliament (known as standing orders) to let a vote take place, which means the vote won't happen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
12th Sep 2018, 10:19 AM – Representatives Motions - Morrison Government - Suspend rules to let vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the rules to allow a vote to happen, which means the vote doesn't take place. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending standing and sessional orders. |
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
10th Sep 2018, 9:15 PM – Representatives Motions - Morrison Government - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual rules to let a vote happen, which means the vote won't take place. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending the standing orders. |
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
21st Jun 2018, 10:45 AM – Representatives Motions - Taxation - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen, which means the vote will not take place. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
22nd May 2018, 3:18 PM – Representatives Motions - Turnbull Government; Pauline Hanson's One Nation - Let vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual parliamentary rules (known as standing orders) to allow a vote to happen, which means the vote will not occur. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
8th May 2018, 4:24 PM – Representatives Motions - Economy - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against letting a vote happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending standing orders (the procedural rules of Parliament) so that Labor MP Chris Bowen could move a particular motion. Since this vote was unsuccessful, Mr Bowen was not able to proceed with his motion. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
8th Feb 2018, 10:48 AM – Representatives Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan No. 2) Bill 2017 - Third Reading - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend standing orders. In other words, they voted in favour of allowing a vote to happen even though parliamentary rules would ordinarily stop it. About the billThe purpose of the bill is to:
Read more in the bills digest. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
26th Oct 2017, 3:04 PM – Representatives Motions - Minister for Employment - Suspend the rulesShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the rules (known as standing orders) to allow a vote to happen. The motion was introduced by Labor MP Tony Burke. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
25th Oct 2017, 6:00 PM – Representatives Criminal Code Amendment (Firearms Trafficking) Bill 2017 - Third Reading - Suspend the rulesShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion:
In other words, they voted to suspend the rules to let them vote on whether to pass the bill now rather than having to wait until later. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
25th Oct 2017, 3:10 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Suspend rules to let vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Labor MP for Watson Tony Burke to suspend the rules (known as standing orders) to let a vote happen. This means the motion failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
7th Sep 2017, 3:01 PM – Representatives Motions - Deputy Prime Minister - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to let a vote on the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against a motion to suspend standing and sessional orders. This motion was made in the context of the revelation that MP Joyce is a New Zealand citizen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
6th Sep 2017, 3:28 PM – Representatives Questions without Notice - Economy - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against letting a vote happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending standing orders. The motion related to the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is a New Zealand citizen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
4th Sep 2017, 3:04 PM – Representatives Motions - Deputy Prime Minister - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
17th Aug 2017, 3:22 PM – Representatives Motions - Qualifications of Members - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to let a vote on Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's New Zealand citizenship happen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Aug 2017, 3:08 PM – Representatives Motions - Qualifications of Members - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to let a vote on Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's New Zealand citizenship happen. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
15th Aug 2017, 3:15 PM – Representatives Motions - Qualifications of Members - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor), whcih means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
14th Aug 2017, 5:57 PM – Representatives Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 - Third Reading - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend the usual parliamentary rules (known as standing orders) to allow a vote to happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted:
This means that they can now vote on whether they want to pass the bill. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
14th Aug 2017, 3:20 PM – Representatives Motions - Deputy Prime Minister - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to let a vote happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending the standing orders, which are the procedural rules of Parliament. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
21st Jun 2017, 9:50 AM – Representatives Motions - Workplace Relations - Suspend the rules to let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Labor MP for Gorton Brendan O'Connor, which means the motion failed. The motion asked for the parliamentary rules to be suspended to let MP O'Connor move a motion related to workplace relations. Since it wasn't successful, he can't introduce that motion. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
22nd Mar 2017, 9:52 AM – Representatives Motions - Racial Discrimination Act 1975 - Let the motion be voted onShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, which means it was unsuccessful. Although his motion was about the changes to the Racial Discrimination Act, the vote itself was actually on whether to let Mr Shorten MP put his motion to the vote, not on the motion itself. The parliamentary rules (known as standing and sessional orders) don't let MPs introduce and vote on motions whenever they want to. Sometimes, they have to ask to suspend the rules to let a particular vote happen. This is what Mr Shorten MP was doing here, but he was unsuccessful. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Feb 2017, 9:50 AM – Representatives Motions - Native Title Amendment (Indigenous Land Use Agreements) Bill 2017 - Suspend rules to let vote happenShow detailTony Burke wanted to move the following motion:
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
13th Feb 2017, 12:14 PM – Representatives Motions - Housing Affordability - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by McMahon MP Chris Bowen (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
1st Dec 2016, 3:23 PM – Representatives Motions - Working Holiday Maker Program - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
1st Dec 2016, 9:55 AM – Representatives Motions - Taxation - Let vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by McMahon MP Chris Bowen (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
|
absent | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
28th Nov 2016, 12:37 PM – Representatives Motions - Attorney-General - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Watson MP Tony Burke (Labor), which means it failed. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
7th Nov 2016, 1:02 PM – Representatives Motions - Turnbull Government - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against suspending standing orders so that Labor MP Tony Burke could move a motion. Motion text
|
absent | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
20th Oct 2016, 3:00 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister; Attempted Censure - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a suspending the normal rules of Parliament to let Labor MP Tony Burke move a motion criticising the government and Prime Minister. This means that MP Burke won't be able to introduce his motion. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
18th Oct 2016, 4:29 PM – Representatives Motions - Gun Control - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, which means it was unsuccessful. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
18th Oct 2016, 3:18 PM – Representatives Motions - Gun Control - Suspend standing ordersShow detailMotion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
17th Oct 2016, 8:29 PM – Representatives Treasury Laws Amendment (Working Holiday Maker Reform) Bill 2016 - Third Reading - Vote on whether to pass bill nowShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend the parliamentary rules so that the House can decide whether or not to pass the bill right away (rather than having to wait). In parliamentary jargon, they voted to suspend standing orders so that they could vote on a motion to give the bill a third reading immediately. What is this bill all about?The bill is part of a package of four bills. It makes changes like:
Together, the bills change the tax arrangement for working holiday visa holders. If passed, they will mean that visa holders will be taxed from the first dollar earned, rather than having the usual tax free threshold. Motion text
|
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
12th Sep 2016, 12:22 PM – Representatives Registration of Deaths Abroad Amendment Bill 2016 - Third Reading - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend standing orders so that they could vote on whether to pass the bill immediately. Because the motion passed, they could immediately vote on whether to pass the bill. In parliamentary jargon, they could vote to read the bill for a third time. Motion text
|
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
5th May 2016, 11:28 AM – Representatives Motions - Budget - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend the procedural rules (known as the standing orders) so that Labor MP Chris Bowen (the Member for McMahon) could introduce a motion for House of Representatives to vote on. Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
19th Apr 2016, 3:32 PM – Representatives Motions - High Speed Rail Planning Authority Bill 2016 - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion to suspend standing orders to let Labor MP Anthony Albanese to move a motion related to his bill, the High Speed Rail Planning Authority Bill 2016. Albanese MP wanted to speed up discussion on his bill so that it didn't lapse due to Parliament dissolving and the approaching election. However, since this motion was unsuccessful, it seems likely that the bill will now lapse (as indeed happened). Motion text
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Mar 2016, 3:20 PM – Representatives Motions - Turnbull Government - Suspend standing motionsShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten to suspend standing orders. Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
10th Feb 2016, 3:16 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister; Attempted Censure - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, which means it was unsuccessful Motion text
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
9th Feb 2015, 3:32 PM – Representatives Motions — Prime Minister — Suspension of standing ordersShow detailThe House of Representatives voted 87 to 54 against a motion by Bill Shorten, MP for Maribyrnong and Leader of the Opposition, to suspend Parliamentary rules and business that would prevent him moving a motion of 'no confidence' in the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott MP for Warringah. |
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
3rd Dec 2014 – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister; Attempted Censure - Against university fee deregulationShow detailThe majority didn't want to let Opposition Leader Bill Shorten introduce a motion condemning the Government's plan to deregulate university fees. This means that Mr Shorten can't introduce the motion. Deregulating university feesThe Government has proposed to remove any restrictions on the amount that universities can charge students for tuition in Commonwealth Supported Places. It is not known how much fees will rise if this proposal is successfully passed through Parliament. Text of the motion
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
26th Nov 2014, 10:04 AM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister; Attempted Censure - Let motion against ABC cuts be movedShow detailThe majority disagreed with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's motion to suspend standing and sessional orders so that he is able to move his motion against the proposed cuts to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). This means that the orders stay in place, blocking Mr Shorten from introducing his motion. Background to the motionBefore the 2013 federal election, then Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had promised that there would be "no cuts to the ABC or SBS" (see the interview with SBS and ABC's FactCheck analysis for the ABC promise and the SBS promise). Full motion text
|
absent | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
26th Nov 2014 – Representatives Motions - Defence Procurement, Minister for Defence - Let Opposition Leader put motionShow detailThe majority voted against a motion letting the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten, put a motion condemning the Minister for Defence. Wording of the motion
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No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
24th Nov 2014, 3:26 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Attempted CensureShow detailThe majority voted against a motion letting the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten, put a motion condemning the Prime Minister. Wording of the motion
|
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
27th Oct 2014, 3:16 PM – Representatives Attempted Censure — Minister for AgricultureShow detailTony Burke sought to move a motion of censure against Barnaby Joyce (the Minister for Agriculture).
You can read more about this incident in the SMH article Barnaby Joyce has Hansard changed back after being caught out over correction and read the official correction policy for Hansard released in a Freedom of Information request. |
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
1st Sep 2014, 1:43 PM – Representatives Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2014 — Consideration in Detail — Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Labor MP Chris Bowen. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the honourable member for McMahon [Mr Bowen] from moving the following motion forthwith-That the debate be adjourned until the next sitting day to provide members with an opportunity to examine the legislation. This means that Mr Bowen is not able to introduce his motion to adjourn the debate. Background to the bill This bill was introduced following the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 (No. 2) being laid aside because it could not "be progressed in its current form".(Read more about this bill being set aside here. The division which resulted in that bill being laid aside is available here. ) This bill repeals the Minerals Resource Rent Tax as well as related measures such as the low income superannuation contribution, the income support bonus and the schoolkids bonus. The bill also revises the capital allowances for small business entities and the superannuation guarantee charge percentage increase.(Read more about the changes made in the bill in the explanatory memorandum. ) Under the previous Labor government, the superannuation was set to increase to 12 per cent by 2019 (as of 1 July 2014, it is at 9.5 per cent).(Read more about superannuation in Australia here.) However, this bill will push that rise up until 1 July 2025. |
absent | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
16th Jul 2014, 6:30 PM – Representatives National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2014 — Third Reading — Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Minister for Health Peter Dutton. The motion was: That, pursuant to contingent notice, so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the remaining stages being passed without delay.(Read more about the stages that a bill must pass through to become law here. ) Because this motion was successful, Mr Dutton can now introduce the motion "That this bill be now read a third time", which he subsequently did. Background to the bill The bill implements one of the measures proposed by the Government as part of its 2014-15 Budget.(Read more about the Government's Budget proposal here. ) It will amend the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ('PBS') so as to:
(More information about the bill, including its explanatory memorandum and bills digest, is available here.) A co-payment is the amount paid by the patient towards the cost of their PBS medicine. The government covers the rest of the cost. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
25th Jun 2014, 6:52 PM – Representatives Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 - Third Reading - Suspend standing orders so as to move third reading motionShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Liberal MP Christopher Pyne, which was: That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the motion for the third reading being moved without delay. Because this motion was successful, the House will now vote on whether to read the bill for a third time and therefore pass it in the House.(See that third reading division here. ) Background to the bill The bill was introduced to establish the Emissions Reduction Fund to replace the carbon price and to provide a transition for the Carbon Farming Initiative.(Read more about the bill in its explanatory memorandum. ) This is a central part of the Government's Direct Action policy,(Read more about Coalition's Direct Action policy on ABC News here. ) which was a key election commitment of the Coalition. The Carbon Farming Initiative was introduced by the previous Labor Government and is a voluntary carbon offsets scheme that currently "allows farmers and land managers to earn carbon credits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (such as nitrous oxide and methane) and storing carbon in vegetation and soils through changes to agricultural and land management practices (also known as carbon farming)".(Read more about the Carbon Farming Initiative here. ) The Coalition Government supports the Carbon Farming Initiative but Minister for Environment Greg Hunt has said that it "can be better, stronger, simpler and more streamlined",(Read Mr Hunt's full comments here. ) which is what this bill aims to do with its changes to the approvals process and the introduction of a 25-year-long option for carbon sequestration projects (currently all projects must run for a period of 100 years).(Read more about the changes in the bill's explanatory memorandum here.) |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
6th Mar 2014, 12:27 PM – Representatives Qantas Sale Amendment Bill 2014 - Third Reading - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion "That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the motion for the third reading being moved without delay." This motion was introduced by Liberal MP Christopher Pyne. Passing this motion means that the Coalition can now move that the bill be read for a third time, which would mean the bill would be passed in the House. That motion was subsequently introduced by Nationals MP Warren Truss.(See the division on that motion here. ) Background to the bill The Qantas Sale Amendment Bill 2014 was introduced to remove the foreign ownership and other restrictions that apply to Qantas but do not apply to other airlines based in Australia.(Read more on ABC News and on ABC Radio's AM program. ) These restrictions include: limits on the issue and ownership of Qantas shares, the makeup of the board of directors, use of the name Qantas and the location of the head office, place of incorporation and principle place of business.(Read more in the bills digest (852 KB).) |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
14th Nov 2013, 3:24 PM – Representatives Motions - Asylum Seekers - TransparencyShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by MP Bill Shorten which is: "That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Honourable Member for Maribyrnong [i.e. MP Shorten] from moving the motion forthwith." This means that MP Shorten is not able to move his initial motion, which was: That the House: (1) notes the: (a) Prime Minister's failure to lead an 'open and transparent' government, despite promising the Australian people he would; (b) repeated failure of the Minister for Immigration to answer questions inside and outside the Parliament; and (c) Government's setting aside of ministerial responsibility to pursue media spin; and (2) calls on the Minister for Immigration to immediately explain: (a) details about the boat carrying Somali asylum seekers that arrived in Darwin on 11 November 2013; (Read about the boat arrival on ABC News here and here. ) (b) reported statements by BASARNAS concerning the Australian interception of an asylum seeker vessel and subsequent actions and events on or around November 7; and (Read more about this interception on ABC News here. ) (c) how the Government intends to pursue its election commitment to turn back boats to Indonesia and buy back boats in fishing villages. (Read the Government's election commitment here (2 MB).) |
No | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
26th Jun 2013, 3:24 PM – Representatives Motions - Labor Party Leadership - End Labor's internal argumentsShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott. This means that it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion: That this House calls on the Government to end its internal arguments and actually govern the country and if it can’t, to restore the selection of the Prime Minister to the people in an election, where it should be. Background to the motion The Labor Party leadership has been tumultuous since 2010, when there was a leadership spill that led to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd resigning and being replaced by Julia Gillard. This spill was followed by further spills in 2012 and March 2013, which Ms Gillard managed to win and so remain Prime Minister. The day this motion was moved, another leadership spill is brewing. At 7pm it is called and Mr Rudd wins to become Prime Minister once more and Ms Gillard resigns. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
5th Jun 2013, 4:19 PM – Representatives Motions - National Security - Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Liberal MP Christopher Pyne. However, since an absolute majority is required to suspend standing and sessional orders (as the motion attempted to do), it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That in accordance with standing order 132, standing and sessional orders be suspended to enable the House to divide again on the question: That the suspension of standing and sessional orders be agreed to.(Read Mr Pyne's explanation of the motion and the related debate here, after 3:58 pm. ) Mr Pyne was seeking to vote on the question again because, when the division originally took place, one of the opposition members just missed out on the chance to take part in it. It was Mr Pyne's hope that, if the division is retaken, it will be successful.(See that previous division here.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
5th Jun 2013, 3:53 PM – Representatives Motions - National Security - Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie. However, since an absolute majority is required to suspend standing and sessional orders (as the motion attempted to do), it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Denison moving the following motion forthwith: That the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security be directed by the Minister to report by 20 June 2013 on the following: (1) to establish all facts in relation to allegations that a convicted Egyptian jihadist terrorist was in a detention centre in full knowledge of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, without passing this information to the Minister; and (2) whether processes and/or resources need to change to address any issues raised, and if so, in detail, to recommend where.(Read Mr Wilkie's explanation of the motion and the related debate here. Read more about this incident on ABC News here.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
5th Jun 2013, 3:38 PM – Representatives Motions - National Security - Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Michael Keenan. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Stirling moving the following motion forthwith: That the Prime Minister immediately commission a cross government review into the Government’s incompetent handling of the circumstances surrounding the placing of a convicted Egyptian jihadist terrorist in a low security family detention facility in the Adelaide Hills including:(Read Mr Keenan's explanation of the motion and the related debate here. Read more about this incident on ABC News here.) (1) when was the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Home Affairs Minister first made aware of the presence of the Egyptian terrorist in the detention network and when did each responsible department or agency brief their Minister and the Prime Minister; (2) the adequacy of communication arrangements and intelligence sharing between the relevant departments and agencies on matters of national security; (3) the effects of the Governments budget cuts on our national security agencies ability to detect such cases particularly the $6.9 million cut to ASIO’s budget for security screening of asylum seekers; and (4) a review of any similar cases including those of a Sri Lankan man accused of murder who was released into the community on a bridging visa and an accused Iranian drug smuggler. References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
3rd Jun 2013, 3:37 PM – Representatives Motions - National Security - Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Liberal MP Scott Morrison. However, since an absolute majority is required to suspend standing and sessional orders (as the motion attempted to do), it was unsuccessful. The motion was:(Read Mr Morrison's whole explanation of his motion and the related debate here. ) That so much of standing and sessional orders be suspended as to allow the member for Cook to move the following motion: That given the Government’s refusal to answer questions in this House and their refusal to establish an independent inquiry into the Government’s ‘light touch’ handling of national security issues regarding the detention and processing of a convicted terrorist who arrived illegally by boat in and around May 2012 that:(Read more about this incident on ABC News here.) (1) a Select Committee on the ‘National security issues relating to the processing and detention of a convicted terrorist who arrived by boat in and around May 2012 and other related matters involving the Government’s handling of national security issues for irregular maritime arrivals’ be appointed to inquire into and report on, having regard to the following circumstances,: (a) in or around May 2012, an Egyptian adult male accompanied by his family arrived illegally by boat at Christmas Island claiming asylum. After initial processing the man and family were transferred to the Inverbrackie Alternative Place of Detention, a detention facility for low risk asylum seeker families in the Adelaide Hills; (b) by end August 2012 it was established by ASIO that this man was convicted of multiple terrorist offences, a member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad which merged with Al Qaeda in June 2001. He was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice; and (c) the man and family remained in low security detention at Inverbrackie until April 2013 when they were transferred to higher security detention facilities at Villawood in Sydney; (2) the Select Committee should: (a) establish the facts surrounding the case in relation to: (i) the full chronology of the events relating to the man and his family’s arrival and detention in Australia and associated security and criminal investigations; (ii) how and when relevant agencies and Ministers became aware of the man’s terrorist conviction and what action was taken in response to that knowledge; (iii) the adequacy of interagency co-operation, and in particular co-operation between DIAC, ASIO and the AFP, in identifying, sharing information, and taking steps to appropriately deal with the individual concerned; (iv) why the individual was left so long at the Inverbrackie low security facility before being transferred to Villawood; (v) the current location and security arrangements for the man and family; (vi) the current status of immigration processing of his asylum or any other claim; and (vii) action being taken in relation to his extradition to Egypt and the point of responsibility for ongoing management of this national security case; (b) review the facts and make an assessment of any failings in the Government’s handling of this case and who will be responsible; (c) identify and establish the facts relating to the Government’s handling of other cases, involving national security issues including, but not restricted to: (i) a Sri Lankan national suspected of murder who was released into the community before being taken to Villawood detention centre; (ii) a suspected Iranian drug smuggler who arrived via boat and is now in a mental health facility; (iii) asylum seeker claims involving membership of the group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam; and (iv) any other asylum seeker claim that has received a negative ASIO security assessment; and (d) make recommendations to address issues identified in the review; (3) the committee consist of seven members, three members to be nominated by the Government Whip or Whips, three members to be nominated by the Opposition Whip or Whips, and one non-aligned member; (4) the committee may supplement its membership by up to four members, with a maximum of two extra government and two extra opposition or non-aligned members. Supplementary members shall have the same participatory rights as other members, but may not vote; (5) every nomination of a member of the committee be notified in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (6) the members of the committee hold office as a select committee until presentation of the committee's report or the House of Representatives is dissolved or expires by effluxion of time, whichever is the earlier; (7) the committee elect a government or a non-government member as chair at its first meeting; (8) the committee elect a member as its deputy chair who shall act as chair of the committee at any time when the chair is not present at a meeting of the committee, and at any time when the chair and deputy chair are not present at a meeting of the committee the members present shall elect another member to act as chair at that meeting; (9) in the event of an equally divided vote, the chair, or the deputy chair when acting as chair, have a casting vote; (10) three members of the committee constitute a quorum of the committee provided that in a deliberative meeting the quorum shall include one government member and one non-government member; (11) the committee have power to appoint sub-committees consisting of three or more of its members and to refer to any sub-committee any matter which the committee is empowered to examine; (12) the committee appoint the chair of each sub-committee who shall have a casting vote only and at any time when the chair of a sub-committee is not present at a meeting of the sub-committee the members of the sub-committee present shall elect another member of that sub-committee to act as chair at that meeting; (13) two members of a sub-committee constitute the quorum of that sub-committee; (14) members of the committee who are not members of a sub-committee may participate in the proceedings of that sub-committee but shall not vote, move any motion or be counted for the purpose of a quorum; (15) the committee or any sub-committee have power to call for witnesses to attend and for documents to be produced; (16) the committee or any sub-committee may conduct proceedings at any place it sees fit; (17) the committee or any sub-committee have power to adjourn from time to time and to sit during any adjournment of the House of Representative; (18) the committee may report from time to time but that it present its final report no later than 30 June 2013; and (19) the provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the standing orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders. References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
15th May 2013, 5:34 PM – Representatives Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Service Providers and Other Governance Measures) Bill 2012 - Consideration in Detail - Recommital on Opposition amendmentsShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Labor MP Anthony Albanese. The motion was: "That in accordance with standing order 132, standing and sessional orders be suspended to enable the House to divide again on the question viz.: That the Opposition amendments be agreed to." That earlier division took place when some members were not in the House.(The earlier division on Opposition amendments is available here. ) This meant that the Opposition was able to form a majority to pass their amendments. Mr Albanese brought this motion to take advantage of parliamentary reform that occurred as a result of the 2010 election, when neither major party formed a clear majority. This reform introduced standing order 132, which allows a recommittal if a member inadvertently misses a division.(Read more about these reforms here. ) Because an absolute majority agreed with this motion, a second division on whether to agree with the Opposition amendments will be made.(See the second division on Opposition amendments here. ) One member, Liberal MP Luke Simpkins, rebelled and crossed the floor to vote 'aye' with the Government.(Read more about what it means to cross the floor in our FAQ Section. ) Background to the Bill The Bill is the fourth and final legislative bundle implementing the Stronger Super reforms announced by the Labor Government in 2010.(More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found here.) It introduces a number of corporate governance measures that arose out of the Review into the Governance, Efficiency, Structure and Operation of Australia’s Superannuation System (known as the Cooper Review) and the Government’s own consultations with industry, employer and consumer groups. References |
No | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
28th Jun 2012, 4:04 AM – Representatives Motions - Asylum Seekers - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie to suspend the rules so that he could move another motion on the Migration Legislation Amendment (Offshore Processing, Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2012. Motion text
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absent | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
11th Oct 2011 – Representatives Motions - Carbon Pricing - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Tony Abbott, the Leader of the Opposition. This means that the motion is rejection. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately: That this House calls on the Prime Minister to explain to the Australian people the following: (1) why this is the right time to introduce the world’s largest carbon tax despite growing economic uncertainty; and(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. ) (2) why it is right for the Prime Minister to break her solemn pledge that “there will be no carbon tax under a government I lead” by bringing in this tax without the consent of the people.(Read more about this promise, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, on ABC's The Drum.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
11th Oct 2011 – Representatives Motions - Carbon Pricing - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott. The motion was: "That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately: That this House calls on the Prime Minister to explain to the Australian people the following: (1) why this is the right time to introduce the world’s largest carbon tax despite growing economic uncertainty; and (2) why it is right for the Prime Minister to break her solemn pledge that “there will be no carbon tax under a government I lead” by bringing in this tax without the consent of the people."(The Prime Minister responded to questions about this statement on ABC's AM Program here. ) National Party Senator Tony Crook rebelled against his party by crossing the floor to vote 'no' with the Opposition in this division.(Read more about what it means to be a rebel in our FAQ Section.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
7th Jul 2011 – Representatives Motions - Gillard Government; Censure - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott. This means that the motion was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately-That this House censures the Government for deceiving the Australian people by bringing in a carbon tax that is nothing more than a bad tax built on a lie.(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. By "lie", he is referring to an election promise made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, which you can read more about on ABC's The Drum.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
5th Jul 2011 – Representatives Motions - Carbon Pricing - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion moved by Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott. This means that it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately: That the Prime Minister immediately explain why she is so determined to deceive the Australian people about the details of her carbon tax(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. ) by refusing to release the details for the full scrutiny of the Parliament this week. In particular: (1) why should anyone trust: (a) the Prime Minister to tell them the truth on the carbon tax now, when, six days before the election, she said that "there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead";(Read more about this promise, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, on ABC's The Drum.) (b) the Prime Minister to tell them the truth now, when, one day before the election, she said "I rule out a carbon tax"; (c) the Prime Minister to tell them the truth now, when she said only yesterday that "when I'm in a position to give people the details about a carbon tax I will" yet is refusing to release the details to this Parliament and is hiding from scrutiny; (d) this Prime Minister when she is trying to sneak through a carbon tax without a mandate when the only real mandate of this Parliament is a mandate NOT to introduce a carbon tax; and (e) this Prime Minister who rules out giving people a vote on the carbon tax by refusing to call an election and now refusing to allow a plebiscite; and (2) that the House calls on the Prime Minister to recall Parliament next week to debate her carbon tax and give the answers that the forgotten families of Australia are demanding today. References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
21st Jun 2011 – Representatives Motions - Carbon Pricing - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Tony Abbott. This means that it was rejected. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately- That this House calls on the Prime Minister to explain to the Australian people why she arrogantly refuses to give them a vote on whether Australia should introduce a carbon tax,(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. ) a vote that she denied them at the last election when she said "there will be no carbon tax under a Government I lead",(Read more about this promise, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, on ABC's The Drum.) and now rules out a plebiscite. If the Prime Minister thinks the Australian people want a carbon tax, why is she so scared to give the people their say? References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
20th Jun 2011 – Representatives Motions - Live Animal Exports - Ensure resumption of tradeShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Independent MP Bob Katter. However, because an absolute majority was not achieved (as required for motions to suspend standing and sessional orders), it was not successful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Kennedy from moving the following motion-That this House: (1) note the impact of the live animal export suspension on Northern Australia, the whole cattle industry and all those associated with it and directs the Government within two weeks to:(Read more about the suspension to live animal exports on ABC News here and on Wikipedia here. The Four Corners report that precipitated the suspension is available here.) (a) deploy 10 Australian officials to Indonesia; (b) direct these officials, along with Indonesia Government appointees, to immediately implement an upgrading of Indonesian abattoirs to meet humane standards currently met in Australia; and (c) instruct Indonesian meatworkers on how to process to humane standards currently met in Australia; (2) directs the Government to ship to Indonesia 60 stun guns with knocking boxes and video cameras within seven days, and to provide appropriate training; (3) directs the Government as a matter of urgency to: (a) immediately accredit Indonesia abattoirs that already meet Australian standards; (b) begin accrediting Indonesian abattoirs that have been newly upgraded to meet humane standards currently met in Australia; (c) implement supply chain traceability and auditing systems; and (d) implement independent monitoring of conditions in Indonesian abattoirs; (4) once the conditions in clause 3 are satisfied, calls on the Government to immediately ensure the resumption of trade with accredited Indonesian abattoirs that meet humane standards currently met in Australia; and (5) directs the Federal Government to immediately commence an inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the Minister for Agriculture’s decision to suspend the live cattle export trade to Indonesia and that this inquiry include Meat and Livestock Australia and all other related instrumentalities and departmental division. References and further information |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
16th Jun 2011 – Representatives Motions - Live Animal Exports - Inquiry into decision to ban live cattle trade to IndonesiaShow detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Independent MP Bob Katter to suspend standing orders so that a motion could be put forward to “to establish an immediate inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the Minister for Agriculture's decision to suspend the live cattle trade to Indonesia”. However, because an absolute majority was not achieved (as required for motions to suspend standing and sessional orders), the motion was not successful. The motion was:
See Bob Katter's full explanation of his motion and the related debate on openaustralia.org. Read more about this decision to ban live cattle trade to Indonesia on Lateline. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Passed by a small majority |
14th Jun 2011 – Representatives Motions - Asylum Seekers - Suspend standing ordersShow detailThe majority voted against suspending standing and sessional orders so that Liberal MP Tony Abbott could introduced his motion. Motion text
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Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
2nd Jun 2011 – Representatives Motions - Carbon Pricing - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott. This means that it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately- That this House calls on the Prime Minister to explain to the Australian people why her Government has abandoned the manufacturing industry in this country by preparing to introduce a carbon tax.(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012.) In particular, why the: (1) Members for Corio and Corangamite aren’t standing up for the 1,300 workers at Ford in Geelong; (2) Member for Gellibrand isn’t standing up for the 3,300 workers at Toyota in Altona; (3) Member for Capricornia isn’t standing up for the 2,000 workers a the Newlands, German Creek and Moranbah coal mines; (4) Members for Throsby and Cunningham aren’t standing up for the 7,000 workers at Bluescope Steel and Illawarra Coal; (5) Member for Brand isn’t standing up for the 1,300 workers at Alcoa in Kwinana; (6) Member for Calwell isn’t standing up for the 1,900 workers at Ford in Broadmeadows; (7) Member for Hunter isn’t standing up for the 2,700 jobs at the Wambo, Mount Thorley, Mount Owen and Hunter Valley mines; (8) Member for Lingiari isn’t standing up for the 850 workers at Rio Tinto/Alcoa Gove; (9) Member for Wakefield isn’t standing up for the 2,700 workers at Holden in Elizabeth; (10) Member for Bass isn’t standing up for the 560 workers at Alcan in Bell Bay; and (11) Prime Minister won’t even stand up for the 466 workers in her own seat of Lalor who work at One Steel in Laverton. References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
10th May 2011 – Representatives Motions - Asylum Seekers - Let a vote happenShow detailThe majority voted against letting a vote happen. In parliamentary jargon, they voted against suspending the standing orders. Motion text
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Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
24th Feb 2011, 3:00 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Tony Abbott. This means that it was rejected. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately-That this House censures the Prime Minister for her announcement today that confirms that she will introduce a carbon tax(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. ) this year breaking her solemn promise to the Australian people that “there will be no carbon tax under the Government I lead”(Read more about this promise, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, on ABC's The Drum. ) and in particular: (1) that the Prime Minister stand condemned for: (a) inflicting another new Labor tax on families already battling to make ends meet because of the rising cost of living; (b) hitting pensioners and carers with another new Labor tax at a time when they are already struggling with soaring power bills and increased grocery prices; (c) burdening small business with another new Labor tax at a time when many of them are barely surviving; (d) adding an extra $300 to the average household power bill with her new carbon tax; and (e) adding an extra 6.5 cents per litre to the cost of petrol with her new carbon tax; and (2) at a time when there is no global agreement on reducing emissions and, under this new Labor tax, Australia will bear an unacceptable economic cost that won't be shared by our international competitors. One member, Nationals MP Tony Crook, rebelled against his party and crossed the floor to vote 'no' with the Government.(Read more about what it means to cross the floor in our FAQ Section.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
22nd Feb 2011, 4:09 PM – Representatives Banking — Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThat the motion ( Mr Hockey ’s) be agreed to. The requirements of standing order 47(c)(ii) for an absolute majority having not been satisfied, the motion was not carried. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed |
27th Oct 2010, 9:31 AM – Representatives Private Members’ Business - Asylum Seekers - Suspend standing and sessional ordersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Scott Morrison. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Cook [Scott Morrison] from moving that standing orders be suspended to enable the Member for Mayo to move the motion standing in his name, viz.—That this House: (1) notes: (a) the announcement on 18 October 2010 by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship about the commissioning of a detention facility at Inverbrackie in South Australia costing $9.7 million to accommodate 400 people, consisting of family groups who are undergoing refugee status assessment; (b) that the Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship failed to consult with the State Government of SA, the Adelaide Hills Council and the local Woodside community on the commissioning of this facility; and (c) that the Prime Minister visited the Adelaide Hills on Sunday 17 October 2010 immediately prior to the announcement and made no mention of the plan to commission the detention facility at Inverbrackie; (2) provides a reference to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration to undertake the following inquiry: (a) that the Joint Standing Committee on Migration inquire into the commissioning of a detention facility for 400 people comprising family groups at Inverbrackie, including: (i) the suitability of the site for locating a detention facility for the purpose of accommodating family groups in comparison with alternative options available to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; (ii) the impact of the operation of the facility on the local community, including on health, education, recreation, transport, police and other community services; (iii) the impact on defence operations, personnel and family groups based at the Inverbrackie facility; (iv) the impact of the facility on the local economy and small business; (v) the level of community support for the commissioning of the facility; (vi) the level of cost and extent of services and facilities provided to clients at the detention facility; and (vii) potential risks that need to be managed for the successful operation of the facility; (b) that the Joint Standing Committee on Migration undertake public hearings in Woodside, SA and Canberra, ACT to facilitate the participation of community members, local service providers, council officers and state and federal departmental officials to assist the Committee with its inquiry; and (c) that the Joint Standing Committee on Migration report back no later than the first sitting week of Parliament in 2011; and (3) calls on the Government to postpone commissioning the detention facility for 400 people including family groups at Inverbrackie, until such time as the Committee has reported and the Government has provided a response to that report to the Parliament. Since the majority voted against this division, it was unsuccessful. Nationals MP Tony Crook rebelled against his party and crossed the floor to vote 'no' with the Government.(Read more about what it means to cross the floor in our FAQ section.) References |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
3rd Jun 2010, 2:33 PM – Representatives Motions - Australian Mining Industry — Suspension of Standing Orders (re: Impact on jobs)Show detailThe majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Independent MP Bob Katter, which means that it was rejected. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Kennedy [Mr Katter] moving immediately the following motion: That the House immediately debate a matter of national importance, namely the continuing deterioration of the Australian mining industry demonstrated by the announcement by Xstrata that they will not be proceeding with Ernest Henry copper mine at Cloncurry nor the Wandoan Coal Project,(Read more about this announcement here.) costing Queensland 3,200 jobs in construction and over 1,000 permanent jobs thereafter. Because this motion was unsuccessful, Mr Katter was not able to subsequently move his proposed motion. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
23rd Sep 2008, 3:24 PM – Representatives Motions - Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Legislation - Suspension of Standing and Sessional OrdersShow detailThe majority voted against a motion introduced by Leader of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull, which means that it was unsuccessful. The motion was: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving immediately - That the House of Representatives: (1) recognises that the Prime Minister and his Government: (a) have acknowledged that it is virtually impossible for single age pensioners to meet essential expenses on the current pension rate, yet have refused to act and instead expect struggling pensioners to wait until yet another review is completed; and (b) have a responsibility to act immediately to ensure that the entire pension payment system appropriately addresses these pressures; (2) affirms the urgency of the Coalition’s pension bill in proposing to: (a) increase the single age pension, single age service pension and the Widow B pension by $30 per week; (b) provide immediate relief to single age pensioners, single age service pensioners and Widow B pensioners struggling with the rising cost of living pressures; and (c) provide the first step in ensuring that the Government acts immediately and accepts its responsibilities to take the urgent action required to assist all pensioners; (3) demands that the Government: (a) allow the Opposition proposal to be debated immediately and in doing so, reflect the will of the Senate in passing the Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill 2008 last night; and (b) recognise the urgency of the Coalition’s bill and support its enactment without further delay; and (4) should it refuse to deal with the Coalition’s bill, demands that the Acting Prime Minister immediately introduce the Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill 2008 in the House of Representatives with full knowledge that it will pass through this place and through the Senate. |
Yes | Yes (strong) | Not passed by a small majority |
How "voted moderately against" is worked out
The MP's votes count towards a weighted average where the most important votes get 50 points, less important votes get 10 points, and less important votes for which the MP was absent get 2 points. In important votes the MP gets awarded the full 50 points for voting the same as the policy, 0 points for voting against the policy, and 25 points for not voting. In less important votes, the MP gets 10 points for voting with the policy, 0 points for voting against, and 1 (out of 2) if absent.
Then, the number gets converted to a simple english language phrase based on the range of values it's within.
No of votes | Points | Out of | |
---|---|---|---|
Most important votes (50 points) | |||
MP voted with policy | 29 | 1450 | 1450 |
MP voted against policy | 55 | 0 | 2750 |
MP absent | 5 | 125 | 250 |
Less important votes (10 points) | |||
MP voted with policy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
MP voted against policy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Less important absentees (2 points) | |||
MP absent* | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total: | 1575 | 4450 | |
*Pressure of other work means MPs or Senators are not always available to vote – it does not always indicate they have abstained. Therefore, being absent on a less important vote makes a disproportionatly small difference. |
Agreement score = MP's points / total points = 1575 / 4450 = 35%.
And then
- between 95% and 100% becomes "very strongly for"
- between 85% and 95% becomes "strongly for"
- between 60% and 85% becomes "moderately for"
- between 40% and 60% becomes "a mixture of for and against"
- between 15% and 40% becomes "moderately against"
- between 5.0% and 15% becomes "strongly against"
- between 0.0% and 5.0% becomes "very strongly against"