Parliament House Matters

Parliament House Safety Measures

The SPEAKER (11:01): Before I call any speakers, honourable members, there are a number of matters I would like to draw to the attention of the house. Firstly, I would like to update the house on measures that the President and myself in addition to the parliament's Response Management Committee have put in place in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. I am informed that advice has already been circulated to members, parliamentary staff and also building occupants advising that all public and school tours of Parliament House and functions have been postponed.

Non-access card holders will not be permitted into the chamber public galleries on sitting days or committee public galleries to view proceedings. Access card holders, including the media, will continue to have access to the parliamentary precinct. Until further notice, all parliamentary dining rooms will be closed. The members' bar will provide the standard food and beverage service consistent with a non-sitting day. The Blue Room will provide its current range of food and beverage services. There will be no provision for seated dining in both the members' bar and the Blue Room.

Members and ministers have been requested to please reduce the number of members of staff they bring into Parliament House. Members, including ministers, who wish to have non-access card holders attend Parliament House must first seek approval from the President or the Speaker. Centre Hall has been closed until further notice, and access to the parliament will be via the Old Parliament House entrance.

There will be increased cleaning of surfaces within Parliament House together with the provision of sanitiser at key locations. I ask all members to continue practising the hygiene advice that has been circulated. I remind members and staff of the advice provided by public health authorities as it relates to people who feel ill to stay at home.

Honourable members, I would like to thank the leadership of all sides of the house for taking a bipartisan approach to the issues that confront us in having this parliament operate safely. Members have been advised of a proposed sitting arrangement in the house that will accommodate the established social distancing standards. This arrangement will allow for members to be separated by at least 1.5 metres when seated. I can also advise the house that, should the full complement of members be present, the dimensions of this chamber are sufficient to satisfy the four square metre provision for indoor gatherings of less than 100 people.

Members are no doubt aware that they are required to speak from the places assigned to them in the chamber by the Speaker. I understand that the government may move to suspend standing orders so as to enable ministers and members to speak and conduct business necessary for the continued proceedings of the house from any seat within the chamber. This will enable members to sit, speak and undertake business from any seat in the house while conforming to the requisite social distancing and indoor gathering restrictions.

Bottled water will also be supplied to members of the house, not jugs and glasses, to reduce the risk to staff in handling glassware. I will also allow members to bring their own containers of water into the chamber if they so desire but I do request that any container used is free of any advertising or identifiable markings.

I trust that a common-sense approach will prevail to assist in the house carrying on its business. I thank members for their support.