DOCUMENTS

Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) (16:36): I seek leave to make a short statement. Leave granted. Senator DUNIAM: I just want to take us on a little trip down memory lane to Wednesday 12 February 2020.

In moving a motion which was co-sponsored by Senators Waters, Lambie, Patrick and Hanson to, in effect, punish the then leader of the government in the Senate, Senator Cormann, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Wong, said: But they are necessary because of the unprecedented behaviour of this government. That senators from across this chamber with a wide range of perspectives agree that such unprecedented action is necessary should be cause for reflection. … … … It is entirely explicable why the government have such an attitude, though.

Frankly, they're arrogant. They've been on a victory lap. They think they own the joint.

They think that the last election was the last word on accountability. They think they're unbeatable and that, no matter how badly they govern or abuse their office, they can get away with it. That's what they think— and they need to reflect on their behaviour.

Finally, on a point that's been made, Senator Wong said: Odgers' Australian Senate Practice makes it clear that it has to be established that disclosure of the document would reveal cabinet deliberations. The government can't simply make that claim, because the document was walked through a cabinet room or has the word 'cabinet' on it. The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 191, as amended, standing in the name of Senator David Pocock, be agreed to.