Brexit timing and rural funding debate
Senator Paul Daly clarifies that he did not want Ministers dragged in for statements on Brexit while they are away on other business. The Chair then confirms that Daly’s amendment on a debate about the shortfall in rural development plan funding is withdrawn for agreement to take it next week.
On a point of clarification, I did not ask that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House for a debate on Brexit next week. I specifically stated that the last thing we wanted was for Ministers to come to the House for statements if they need to be away on business playing the game that must be played for the next two weeks. We are all on the same page on this issue. I indicated that we know where the Minister's priorities lie for the next two weeks and he should not come to the House.
Comment on this
That is clear and I will deal with that issue when I have made one final comment on Senator Norris.
There was a real chance, according to the bookies, that he might have ended up in a different House six years ago. He would have been very curtailed and restrained there had that been so and I do not think that he would be having as much fun.
Comment on this
Senator Paul Daly has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Minister for Rural and Community Development on the shortfall in funding for the rural development plan be taken today." The Leader has kindly suggested that we hold a debate on this next week. That being acceptable, the proposal is withdrawn until next week.