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) (15:44): I seek leave to make a short statement. Honourable senators interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: We are actually voting differently. The PRESIDENT: Minister Gallagher, please resume your seat.

I'm going to remind senators that this is formal motions. Every day, senators from various parts of the chamber seek leave. It should not be an opportunity for a debate.

Leave is either given or not given. I'm not entertaining shouting out across the chamber or arguing. The minister has sought leave.

Is leave granted? It is. Thank you.

Senator GALLAGHER: I refer to my previous comments, and I understand. I would encourage all of those issues to be resolved within the committee, including acknowledging the role of the chair. Question agreed to.