DOCUMENTS

Senator O'SULLIVAN (Western Australia) (18:36): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator O'SULLIVAN: We're sympathetic to Senator Thorpe's desire for more information and transparency about incidents and risks now associated with Australia Day events.

However, the opposition will not be supporting this OPD, as there would be significant risks and dangers to exposing ASIO intelligence in this way. To the best of our knowledge, and for very good reasons in respect of national security, there has not been a single motion passed in the parliament that has ordered ASIO documents in the entirety of that organisation's existence, going back to 1949, and it should not happen here today or when the vote is happening.

The PRESIDENT: The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator Green to general business notice of motion No. 358, standing in the name of Senator Thorpe, be agreed to. A division is required. That will be deferred.

Senator Thorpe: The amendment is deferred, but what about my motion? The PRESIDENT: It can't continue, because we don't have a definitive vote on the amendment. Senator Thorpe: Okay, thank you.