Senator FAULKNER (Minister for Defence) (12:33 PM) —I seek leave to move a motion to vary the hours of meeting and routine of business for tomorrow.

Leave granted.

Senator FAULKNER —I thank the Senate for its courtesy in enabling me to do this. Before moving the motion I inform the Senate—and this might come as a surprise to senators and might even be quite a worry to them—that, in Senator Ludwig’s absence, I have agreed to step into his shoes and act as Manager of Government Business in the Senate for a few short hours. I hope that this does not cause pandemonium. I am not sure whether the motion has been circulated; however, I move:

Senator FAULKNER —I briefly indicate to the Senate that this motion enables the Senate to deal with the visit to Australia and address of both houses of parliament tomorrow by the President of Indonesia. The intention of the motion is to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the Senate’s routine of business. It does mean that consideration of government documents shall not be proceeded with. It does mean that the routine of business at 4 pm will be the usual routine of petitions, notices of motion, postponement and rearrangement of business, discovery of formal business, any MPI or urgency motion, tabling and consideration of committee reports, and government business. It also means, as I believe was the case with the visit of former President Bush in 1992, former President George W Bush in 2003—

Senator Ian Macdonald —We agree with you, John.

Senator FAULKNER —I am sorry?

Senator Ian Macdonald —I said, ‘I think we agree with you.’

Senator FAULKNER —I suggest that might be an indication that you don’t want to hear a long speech from me on this matter.

Senator Ian Macdonald —You’re very perceptive.

Senator FAULKNER —If I had feelings, which I don’t, I assure the Senate that they would have been hurt by that interjection by Senator Macdonald. I commend the motion to the Senate.