The debate in the Senate on the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 will NOT continue today, according to the just released Senate Order of Business.
Four Bills have been listed under the Government business orders for the day, with the Senate sitting from midday:
- Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2024—second reading debate
- Better and Fairer Schools (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024—second reading debate
- Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024—second reading debate
- Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024—Votes to be taken on second reading amendments moved by Senators Henderson, Faruqi and Chisholm
Debate on the Bill commenced last night, with Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqui and Labor Senator Tony Sheldon all speaking to the Bill. Debate was interrupted at 8pm and the Senate adjourned at 8.14pm.
This omission signals that the Government is prioritising Bills that will have a better prospect of getting through the Senate, now that the Government knows that the Opposition and Greens will be voting against the ESOS Bill. The Government has a huge legislative agenda for the remaining two sitting weeks of this year, with 29 Bills to be considered, including the ESOS Bill.
A deeper analysis on what the Senators have said/will say will be forthcoming. In the meantime, read The Koala’s summary of yesterday’s Senate here and the reaction to the shock news of the Coalition’s intention to oppose the Bill here.
The Koala will continue to bring you the latest on the ESOS Bill as it develops.
