DOCUMENTS

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) (11:58): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator GALLAGHER: As Minister Wong has made clear in this place and the Prime Minister has made clear in the other place, it's entirely inappropriate for the opposition to seek to score political points on Australia's relationship with Japan.

The Prime Minister of Japan is a friend of Australia and a friend of the Prime Minister, and the relationship with Japan is closer than it has ever been. The government opposes the motion, and I call on those opposite to reflect on their position on this matter. The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 586, standing in the name of Senator Paterson, moved by Senator Kovacic, be agreed to.