Members

Speaker, Election

The CLERK: Honourable members, I have received a letter from the Hon. D.R. Cregan informing me of his resignation from the office of Speaker, and therefore there is a vacancy in the office. With the office vacant, it is therefore necessary to proceed immediately to elect a new Speaker.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (15:06): I remind the house that it will now be necessary to proceed to the election of a Speaker. I move:

That the member for Mawson do take the chair of this house as Speaker.

The CLERK: Is the motion seconded?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (15:06): I would like to second the motion that the member for Mawson become Speaker.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson) (15:06): I accept the nomination.

The CLERK: Are there any further nominations? There being no further nominations, I declare the member for Mawson the Speaker.

The SPEAKER (15:06): In compliance with the standing orders and in accordance with the traditions of parliament, I humbly submit myself to the will of the house.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell was escorted to the dais by the mover and the seconder of the motion.

The SPEAKER: Standing here on the steps, which is the traditional approach to the chair, I would like to express my thanks to the mover and to the seconder for their call to this high office. I want to thank all members here present for their confidence in me and their support for me. I will uphold the traditions of the Speaker and show fairness in my dealings with members and preserve the protection of members' rights collectively and individually, including the majority decision. I ask for the support of members to maintain the prestige and dignity of the chamber.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Energy and Mining) (15:08): Mr Speaker, I inform the house that Her Excellency the Governor will be pleased to have the Speaker presented today, at 3.30pm. I move:

That the sitting of house be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 15:09 to 15:20.