Speaker, Presentation to Governor

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): My question is to the Premier. Why did the Premier not accompany the new Speaker over to Government House as is common practice, when the outgoing Speaker had the good grace to do so?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:21): In fact, I am just being an obedient servant of the parliament. The Speaker himself actually made a plea to people, because of COVID—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Premier is quite right: I did.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —now confirmed by the Speaker. The Speaker has confirmed that he made a plea to people to reduce the numbers because of COVID. He made it clear in his comments to the house that, whilst he couldn't prevent people from coming, he was hoping that the numbers could be reduced and so I was happy to follow that instruction as an obedient servant of this chamber.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mawson is warned.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Interjections across the chamber are quite plainly disorderly and members are racking up demerits at an extraordinary rate today. Further questions.