BUDGET

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (15:40): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator GALLAGHER: It is unusual to plan an estimates hearing by motion in the Senate.

Decisions on estimates programming are more appropriately made by the members of these committees, who are best placed to consider the full context of these matters. It is unreasonable for senators to continue demanding additional consideration while repeatedly choosing to leave early. I encourage senators to carefully consider their position on this motion and to ensure that, if it's supported, they use this additional time fully.

Question agreed to.