https://t.co/aAuiBrQTzB

Information on filling casual vacancies can be found at: https://t.co/0eez8owwhi 3/3

I will write to His Excellency the Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, to inform him of this vacancy, which will be filled in accordance with Section 15 of the Constitution. 2/3

I have received a letter of resignation from Rachel Siewart as a senator for Western Australia. The resignation takes effect immediately. 1/3

Please be advised of a statement released today by the Presiding Officers. It details access arrangements to Parliament House for the upcoming sitting fortnight and until further notice. https://t.co/gfZ01BrX5Y

Statement from the Speaker and I regarding Parliament House access and operations

Information on filling casual vacancies can be found at: https://t.co/0eez8oeVpK 3/3

I will write to His Excellency the Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, to inform him of this vacancy, which will be filled in accordance with Section 15 of the Constitution. 2/3

I have received a letter of resignation from Mathias Cormann as a senator for Western Australia. The resignation takes effect immediately. 1/3

https://t.co/PUejy0yGaD

Information on filling casual vacancies can be found at: https://t.co/0eez8owwhi 3/3

I have written to Her Excellency the Hon. Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria, to inform her of this vacancy, which will be filled in accordance with Section 15 of the Constitution. 2/3

I have received a letter of resignation from Richard Di Natale as a senator for Victoria. The resignation takes effect immediately. 1/3

The Senate is now next scheduled to meet on Monday 24 August at 10am. 6/END

Given the advice from the Chief Medical Officer and the request to defer the scheduled sittings for August 4-6 and August 10-13 represents more than three quarters of all senators, I will formally notify all senators that these sitting days will not take place. 5/

Therefore, should the scheduled sittings go ahead, a quorum for the Senate would be impossible to establish or maintain, thereby making the scheduled sittings moot. 4/

...but which reflect the accepted principle that the Senate controls its own meetings.   In this instance, the request to defer sittings of the Senate is made by leaders representing more than three quarters of senators. 3/

I have subsequently consulted with other parties and senators. The unprecedented health situation and advice from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer requires consideration of procedures not previously used regarding scheduled sittings of the Senate ... 2/

I have received a request to defer the scheduled sittings of the Senate for August 4-6 and August 10-13 from Senator Cormann as the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator Wong as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate has concurred with this request. 1/

Statement on the Fiftieth anniversary of the Senate committees.