Senator LUDLAM (10:34 AM) —by leave—This is an apology that I was hoping never to have to make to this chamber. Mr President, I was absent for the last vote and I ask that the vote on Senator’s Joyce amendment to the motion of Senator Heffernan to refer a matter to the Rural Affairs and Transport References Committee be recommitted. Through an inadvertence, I was on the other side of the building and, regrettably, I missed the bells so was not in the chamber at the time of that vote. I believe I also owe Senator Joyce an apology. I understand he launched a bit of a spray at the government in my absence for perhaps one of the government members missing the vote. It was me and I apologise.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Senator LUDLAM —I utterly deny that assertion but nonetheless offer my apologies to the chamber for missing the vote. I seek leave to have it recommitted.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Senator Joyce —I would like to apologise for having a go at the Labor government when I could have been having a go at the Greens.

The PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Joyce, you cannot just stand up. If you wish to make a statement, you need to seek leave to do so.