BUSINESS

Mr GORMAN (Perth—Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service and Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) (11:22): I move: That the question be now put. The SPEAKER: Just before we get to that stage, the proper process will be followed. We need for Mr Tehan's motion to be seconded so that question can be put.

Mr Caldwell: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak. Mr GORMAN: I move: That government business order of the day No. 1 be brought on immediately. The SPEAKER: We're still technically in this business.

You can't bring it on when we're dealing with this item, because we're in the middle of the bill. I'm going to state the question. Then, if the House wishes to be dealing with this item—that the question be put—that's what we'll have to deal with, if that's the will of the House, if that's what members wish to do.

Mr Tehan: Just so it's clear— The SPEAKER: The motion has been moved for the suspension. It has been seconded. There is a live motion before the House.

The manager is entitled to move the suspension at any time. So members know, the suspension is before the House because the manager would like to do something to interrupt the House. That's why he'll need an absolute majority for that to occur.

Mr Tehan interjecting— The SPEAKER: That's okay. It's now been formally seconded by the Chief Opposition Whip. So we're at that stage now where it's before the House.