MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Sterle ) (16:38): The Senate will now consider the proposal, under standing order 75, from Senator Sharma, which has been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red: The need for the Prime Minister to apologise for his offensive and disrespectful remarks concerning the Prime Minister of Japan, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, which demeaned one of Australia's closest friends and partners, mocked a thoughtful and symbolic diplomatic gift, and unnecessarily damaged Australia's vital relationship with Japan.

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.