Community banking amendment
The Chair restated Senator O'Donnell's amendment seeking a debate on a community banking report. Senator O'Donnell agreed to withdraw it if the Government committed to holding the debate this week, and the Leader undertook to try to secure that.
Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the publication of a report on the introduction of community banking be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?
Comment on this
No, not if I get a guarantee that the debate will take place this week.
We will have a major gap because the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill will not come to the House. There might not be a gap in the diary of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten. I will not press the amendment if we can deal with it this week. I want to get an answer. I accept what the Leader says.
Comment on this
I will withdraw it if I get a commitment. I accept what the Leader is saying but I need a genuine commitment that this is not going to be pushed out week after week.
Comment on this
I think the Senator understands that I have never tried to do that. I will endeavour to do so. I have not had a response from the Minister's office but I will work with Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell to ensure we have that debate this week.