MATTERS OF URGENCY

The PRESIDENT (17:20): The Senate will now consider the proposal, under standing order 75, from Senator McKim, 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 Commonwealth Government to urgently intervene against any proposed plans to privatise Australian water supply, including the potential sale of Melbourne Water by the Victorian Labor government.

Is consideration of the proposal supported? More than the number of senators required by the standing orders having risen in their places— The PRESIDENT: With the concurrence of the Senate, the clerks will set the clock in line with the informal arrangements made by the whips.