Parliamentary Procedure

Sittings and Business

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (11:01): I move:

That standing orders be so far suspended as to enable me to give notices of motion forthwith.

The SPEAKER: There not being an absolute majority present, ring the bells.

An absolute majority of the whole number of members being present:

Motion carried.

Ms CHAPMAN: I rise on a point of clarification.

The SPEAKER: It is a point of order.

Ms CHAPMAN: Yes. I refer to the report of the Coroner of 9 April 2015 and inquire of you, sir, whether you have received, pursuant to his recommendations, a report from the Attorney-General as the minister for children's reform, and child protection reform in particular, outlining the evidence of a Mr Harrison and the Coroner's remarks in respect of section 22—

The SPEAKER: I am just not clear. My recollection from being the Attorney is that the Attorney or a relevant minister has a certain number of weeks to respond to a Coroner's report.

Ms CHAPMAN: And they did so, sir, a very few days afterwards, but—

The SPEAKER: What is the point of order, then?

Ms CHAPMAN: My inquiry is as to whether you have received the report—

An honourable member: What's the point of order?

Ms CHAPMAN: Point of clarification.

The Hon. J.R. Rau: This is not a point of order; it is a point of theatre.

Ms CHAPMAN: I am just simply asking the question, John, as to whether—

The SPEAKER: I will inquire whether, so far as the parliament is concerned, what is required to be done for the purposes of the parliament has occurred, but the deputy leader has not risen on a point of order. The deputy leader is making an impromptu speech.

Ms CHAPMAN: But can I—

The SPEAKER: No, I will not hear the deputy leader further. I have red marked and inwardly digested the point she is making.

Ms CHAPMAN: Thank you, sir.

The SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. It is disorderly for her to make it this way; nevertheless, I have it.

Ms CHAPMAN: Thank you, sir. I look forward to your response.

The SPEAKER: The Treasurer.