Parliamentary Procedure

Standing Orders Suspension

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (11:03): Mr Speaker, without notice, I move:

That standing and sessional orders be and remain so far suspended as to enable the member for Unley to immediately resume his part in the proceedings of the house.

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

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

The SPEAKER: Is the motion seconded?

Mr WILLIAMS: Is this a procedural motion, Mr Speaker?

The SPEAKER: Yes, it is a suspension of standing orders; perhaps the member for MacKillop wishes to debate it?

Mr WILLIAMS: I do not wish to debate it, but I have a question, Mr Speaker. The member having been suspended from the services of the house, and, as you said, we have a mandatory sentencing rule in our standing orders, the question in my mind arises: what happens if the member is named again? Is he then suspended automatically for three days or for 11 days?

The SPEAKER: What we are giving the member for Unley is what you might call remission for good behaviour over the weekend, so the naming is not set aside, but the mandatory minimum three-day penalty is set aside. The Treasurer is here. I will come to the Treasurer in a moment. I will put the motion.

Motion carried.