Motions of this type are not encouraged in the Senate, but rather left for the government ministers and department etc to deal with. It’s a long standing practice.

It is also unfortunate that the article doesn’t mention what is being done. From Hansard on rejecting the motion (by the Special Minister of State, speaking for the government):

“… matters of international relations should not be considered in the Senate by means of formal motions. It is counterproductive for motions of this kind to single out one country—in this case, Uganda. This said, the government fully supports the elimination of discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity and we have said so publicly. As recently as last month, in September 2009, the Australian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva noted the importance of eliminating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Australia will continue to advocate in support of human rights of all individuals in a manner that we judge to be effective…”

It wouldn’t have mattered what the motion was about, those like this get rejected on principle. (Normally.)

Or even whether any Senator or Representative would have the courage to make such a motion on the floor?