26 March 2003

Senate Extends Sitting Hours

The Senate today voted to extend its sitting hours tonight and tomorrow to clear a backlog of business built up because of time taken to debate Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq.

The Senate will sit until 10.30 tonight, three hours longer than scheduled. Tomorrow it will sit until midnight if necessary, instead of adjourning at 7.50pm.

The Manager of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Ian Campbell, thanked the Opposition and minor parties for supporting his motion to extend the sitting hours.

The bills to be considered are listed in the attachment.

CANBERRA

26 March 2003

Contact: Wayne Grant 02 6277 3955 or 0407 845 280

ATTACHMENT

BILLS TO BE CONSIDERED

  • Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Bill 2002
  • Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002
  • Corporations Amendment (Repayment of Directors' Bonuses) Bill 2002
  • Copyright Amendment (Parallel Importation) Bill 2002
  • Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme Bill 2003
  • Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003
  • Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and other 2001 Budget Measures) Bill 2002 - consideration of message in committee of the whole
  • Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 7) 2002
  • Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002
  • Inspector-General of Taxation Bill 2002 - consideration of message in committee of the whole
  • Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2002-2003
  • Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2002-2003
  • Dairy Industry Service Reform Bill 2003
  • Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment (Dairy) Bill 2003
  • Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Other Measures) Bill 2002
  • Industry, Tourism and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 2002
  • Corporations Legislation Amendment Bill 2002
  • Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill 2002
  • Corporations (Review Fees) Bill 2002
  • National Blood Authority Bill 2002
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2002
  • Crimes Legislation Enhancement Bill 2002 [2003]
  • Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2002
  • Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2002.