Senator SHERRY (6:15 PM) —Would I have to withdraw existing amendment (2) and then move it in two parts?

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN — Those questions will be put as separate items.

Senator SHERRY —Thank you for meeting that request. Senator Murray has indicated the way in which he is going to vote. We do appreciate, Senator Murray, as you do, that this is an attempt to contrive a double dissolution trigger. Should such a trigger be used, it is the first such piece of legislation with which the Senate has been presented, so there is a very serious issue and theme underlying the Liberal government's eighth attempt to present this legislation before the Senate. As I indicated earlier, we believe that it is appropriate to approach this legislation reasonably and positively by moving amendments that can improve current circumstances. Labor is not being negative in rejecting the bill out of hand without taking the positive approach of moving what it sees as important improvements to the current unfair dismissal provisions, with respect to small business, covered by the federal legislation. But I do understand the reasons that Senator Murray has outlined and will obviously put the amendments to the vote. I respect and understand Senator Murray's reasons for his consistent approach on the amendments that I have moved.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN —The question is that amendment (1) be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN —The question now is that the insertion of schedule 3A be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN —The question now is that the insertion of schedule 3B be agreed to.

Question negatived.