Media Release -18 July 2020
I have received a request to defer the scheduled sittings of the Senate for August 4-6 and August 10-13 from Senator Cormann as the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator Wong as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate has concurred with this request.
I have subsequently consulted with other parties and senators.
The unprecedented health situation and advice from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer requires consideration of procedures not previously used regarding scheduled sittings of the Senate, but which reflect the accepted principle that the Senate controls its own meetings.
In this instance, the request to defer sittings of the Senate is made by leaders representing more than three quarters of senators.
Therefore, should the scheduled sittings go ahead, a quorum for the Senate would be impossible to establish or maintain, thereby making the scheduled sittings moot.
Given the advice from the Chief Medical Officer and the request to defer the scheduled sittings for August 4-6 and August 10-13 represents more than three quarters of all senators, I will formally notify all senators that these sitting days will not take place.
The Senate is now next scheduled to meet on Monday 24 August at 10am.
Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan
President of the Senate