Senator BARTLETT (9:43 AM) —It is appropriate to put the Democrats' position on the record on this issue. This is a matter relating to the inability of police and to the insightful statements by certain ministers against people who are exercising their legitimate right to protest against forest industry operations in native forests. It is quite clear that there has been an inadequate response to protect those people from thuggery and violence. That is a serious and urgent matter and it is one that my colleague Senator Allison has spoken out about quite strongly, because it is quite clear that there is a lot of evidence about the seriousness of some of the incidents and also the lack of response from law enforcement officials. That lack of response can hardly be helped when you have some of the inflammatory statements such as those by Minister Tuckey.

This is an important matter. It is one that the Democrats have already expressed concern about and will be continuing to follow through, because it is an issue that is ongoing—it is not a matter of being concerned about something that is in the past; it is an ongoing issue of people who are exercising a legitimate right to protest and who quite genuinely have significant fears for their safety. That is a situation that we should not have in a country like Australia, so we do believe it is an important, urgent matter and we certainly support the thrust of the motion.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —The question is that the motion moved by Senator Brown be agreed to. Those of that opinion say aye.

Senator Brown —Aye.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —To the contrary no.

Honourable senators interjecting—

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —The noes have it. Is a division required?

Senator Brown —Yes.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT —A division is not required. The noes have it.

Question resolved in the negative.

Senator Brown —Madam Deputy President, could I have it recorded that I did call for a division but do not have the numbers to have that taken into effect.

Senator Bartlett —Madam Deputy President, I would also like it recorded the Democrats did not want to use up the time of the Senate in a division, but I do record that we supported the motion.