COMMITTEES

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (16:16): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted? Senator DAVID POCOCK: Since we're talking about— The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, a moment, please.

Leave is granted for one minute. Senator DAVID POCOCK: Sorry. For fear of being crunched, I— Senator Scarr: No-one's going to crunch you, David!

Senator DAVID POCOCK: In all seriousness, I just wanted to make a short statement given we're talking about the way that committees have been negotiated. I just make the point that the Greens are half the crossbench and yet, if you look at the committees and what went down the other day, the Greens are basically all of the committee members and got every single committee membership that they wanted.

When the rest of the crossbench said, 'Hey, I'd just like to be on one committee to be able to contribute to the Senate given I'm an elected senator,' there was a deal done between Labor and the Greens and, as we saw in the votes, that's how it rolled out. So I appreciate what they're saying on this one, but I think it has to work both ways when you want to talk about the crossbench.

Senator Thorpe interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, you are out of order. The question is that the amendment moved by Senator Scarr be agreed to. I believe the noes have it.

Senator Scarr: The ayes have it. The PRESIDENT: I only heard your voice, Senator Scarr. There need to be two voices, and you know that.

With the indulgence of the Senate, I will recommit the vote. The question is that the amendment moved by Senator Scarr be agreed to.