MATTERS OF URGENCY

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Scarr ) (16:30): The Senate will now consider the proposal, under standing order 75, from Senator Thorpe, which is also shown at item 13 of today's Order of Business: That, in the opinion of the Senate, the following is a matter of urgency: The need for the Government to progress a Human Rights Act to ensure basic human rights are being upheld in this country, in adherence to our international human rights obligations.

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.