Parliamentary Procedure

Standing Orders Suspension

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning and Local Government) (11:02): I move:

That standing orders be so far suspended as to enable me to move a motion without notice forthwith.

The SPEAKER: There being an absolute majority present, I accept the motion. Is it seconded?

Honourable members: Yes, sir.

The SPEAKER: Deputy Premier, do you wish to speak to the motion to suspend?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: Yes, thank you. The matter before the parliament, which you, sir, and the President have tabled, is a report from the equal opportunity commissioner, Review of Harassment in the South Australian Parliament Workplace. I have not heard any dissent from the view that we should as a parliament act promptly to deal with this matter and indeed that it is a matter that is deserved of our attention.

For that reason, I seek to suspend standing orders to enable us to move a motion and essentially invite a joint house committee to be established so that we may do just that and reassure the people of South Australia that we have read this report, we understand it and we want to commence.

The SPEAKER: Is there any other member who would speak to the motion to suspend or against the motion at this point? There being no further contribution, is the motion seconded?

Honourable members: Yes, sir.

Motion carried.