DOCUMENTS

Senator CASH (Western Australia—Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (15:39): I seek leave to move a motion relating to the length of time for taking note of the minister's explanation relating to general business notice of motion No. 790. Honourable senators interjecting— Senator CASH: I jumped first. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The advice I've received is that it's the government's prerogative to report a message, and therefore I focus on the message.

Senator Cash: Can I seek a point of clarification? There was a break in between items. In between items, a senator is entitled to seek the call, which is what I did.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I've taken advice, and the advice to me was that, even if the call was sought, I had to focus on the message. That's the advice I have received. I'm going to accept the advice.

I am relying on the advice. I am not exercising— Senator Cash: And you said that, correct. In terms of that statement to the Senate that you are relying on the advice, could I ask then that you would consider the advice that has been given—I did seek leave to move a motion, and, if leave had been given, we could have proceeded with debate on that motion; if leave had not been given, we then would have sought to suspend standing orders—and provide a ruling to the Senate.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: No; I will refer it to the President.