Motion to increase speaking time defeated

The motion to increase the speaking time of senators was defeated in the Senate on Monday, as it received a vote of 19 against and only ten in favour as half of the independent senators sided with the government on the decision to limit the speaking times.

No members abstained from voting.

While all Government Senators voted against the motion and all Opposition Senators voted in its favour, four of the eight Independent Senators present supported the government while the remaining four backed the Opposition.

The motion was brought to the Senate by Opposition Senator Wade Mark who argued the decision to reduce the speaking time of Senators was unconstitutional and accused the government of attempting to muzzle the Opposition.