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Monday, 4 July 2011
Page: 3829

Senator BOB BROWN (Tasmania—Leader of the Australian Greens) (12:02): I thank Senator Ludlam for presenting himself. I congratulate Senator Parry as well. I submit that Senator Ludlam would be a better choice for the position of Deputy President and Chairman of Committees.

I do object to the arrangement where we are now going to see the Labor Party support the coalition's nominee en bloc and, as we saw with the vote for you as President, the coalition's voting with the Labor Party en bloc. One of these days we will get to the more sensible arrangement of not only nominating but choosing senators on the basis of merit rather than on the basis of this cosy arrangement. It is significant that this arrangement is here at the outset. There has been talk about the balance of power. The Greens will use that responsibly and for a stable procedure of governance in this parliament and in this place on behalf of the Australian people. That said, it is very clear here that, in the majority of the workings of this Senate, we will see the government and opposition come together to pass legislation and the precedent is being set here today.

The PRESIDENT: There being two nominations, in accordance with the standing orders, a ballot will be held. Before pro­ceeding to ballot, the bells will be rung for four minutes—ring the bells.

The bells having been run— .

The PRESIDENT: The Senate will now proceed to ballot. Ballot papers will be distributed to honourable senators, who are requested to write upon the paper the name of the candidate for whom they wish to vote. The candidates are Senator Stephen Parry and Senator Scott Ludlam. I invite Senator Adams and Senator Siewert to act as scrutineers.

A ballot having been taken—

The PRESIDENT: Order! The result of the ballot is as follows: Senator Ludlam, nine votes; Senator Parry, 61 votes. I declare Senator Parry elected Deputy President and Chair of Committees in accordance with the standing orders. Let me be the first to congratulate you, Senator Parry, on your election. I look forward to serving with you for a long period, in the same way that I served with other Deputy Presidents and served as Deputy President with Presidents, and to having a good working relationship to ensure that we make this chamber a place where people as senators can work and operate.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Mr President, for those kind words. I thank all senators for their support. I intend to discharge those duties to the best of my ability and in the fairest manner possible. I look forward to serving as Deputy President.