Senate puts Indigenous recognition second

The Government joined the Coalition today to vote down Greens Leader Bob Brown's motion that recognising the indigenous people of Australia be the first matter for the Senate each day, as it is in the House of Representatives.

"The Senate is alone amongst parliaments, councils and public meetings around Australia in not beginning proceedings with acknowledgement of first Australians," Senator Brown said.

The Lord's Prayer will continue to go first in the Senate.

"This arrangement was set by the President without reference to the Senate. It's really a confirmation that British customs prevail over modern Australia's recognition of our own culture in the Senate," Senator Brown said.