Parliamentary Procedure

Standing Orders Suspension

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (22:48): I move:

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

The SPEAKER: There being an absolute majority of the whole number of members present, I accept the motion.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Sir, it is important that I now move a motion because I wish to move for you to be removed from the office of Speaker, and I ask that we suspend standing orders to allow me to move that forthwith.

The SPEAKER: Are there any other speakers on the motion to suspend?

Mr KNOLL (Schubert) (22:49): It is now extremely clear, with the sequence of events that has happened over the course of today, what today was really about. In seeking to move the suspension here, what it lays bare is that the bill we were dealing with before was trying to provide a fig leaf, but it seems that fig leaf has now been removed.

The motion by the member for West Torrens for the suspension of standing orders, and the manner in which they have sought to do that, belies the fact that without any justification, without any basis, it seeks to turn this house's attention away from government business, from dealing with important matters that are actually going to help South Australians. In this newfound balance of power in this chamber, it is more about divvying up the spoils for those who feel they deserve them most in a time and a manner that is unbecoming.

South Australians will see through this suspension and they will see through what comes next. They will see it more as politicians bickering and those opposite using naked power to grab what they want to line their own pockets, as distinct from doing what is in the best interests of South Australians.

Mr Brown interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Playford!

Mr KNOLL: There is no justification for there to be a suspension of standing orders in this way. As South Australians read the newspapers and listen to the radio or watch TV tomorrow, they will understand completely what has taken place here, why it has taken place and who is going to be richer as a result of what is taking place tonight.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (22:51): It was a poor selection of speaker for the government, for that member to be lecturing us, anyone in this parliament, about lining our pockets, given the amount of money he has paid back that he claimed inappropriately and given that he was the first minister in this house be found guilty of misconduct or poor choice.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for West Torrens will resume his seat. The member for Schubert rises on a point of order.

Mr KNOLL: Point of order: I ask the member to withdraw and apologise for that last comment in relation to inappropriately claiming money.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member having taken offence, as I understand it, pursuant to standing order 125, I ask the member for West Torrens to withdraw and apologise.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: No, sir. I will not. To make it easier, sir, I withdraw and apologise.

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens has withdrawn and apologised. Has the member for West Torrens completed his contribution?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I have, sir.

The SPEAKER: In that case, having counted the house, and there being an absolute majority of members present, the motion of the member for West Torrens is that standing orders be so far suspended as to enable him to move a motion for the removal of the Speaker; is it seconded?

An honourable member: Yes, sir.

Ayes 24

Noes 22

Majority 2