MATTERS OF URGENCY

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Sharma ) (16:42): Senators Chandler, David Pocock and Whish-Wilson have submitted a proposal, under standing order 75, today, which has been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red: The need for the Australian Government to ensure Australia has a world-class national science agency, because the ongoing cuts to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, which have led to the loss of 1,150 jobs, have weakened Australia's ability to diversify our economy and respond to major challenges.

Is consideration of the proposal supported? More than the number of senators required by the standing orders having risen in their places— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: With the concurrence of the Senate, the clerks will set the clock in line with the informal arrangements made by the whips.