House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-02-29 Daily Xml

Contents

Parliamentary Procedure

PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS

The SPEAKER (14:08): Earlier today we changed our sessional orders. However, I am prepared to give some leniency today. The provisions are there. Members on my left will remember that. There are also still provisions in the standing orders for people to be named, and you will keep that in mind also.

Mrs Redmond: What about them?

The SPEAKER: Members on my right are very aware; I have already consulted with them and told them the same.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I have told them the same, so we will have some order in the place today.

Mrs REDMOND: Madam Speaker, as a point of clarification, can I ask how it is that the government got a separate notification from the opposition in open parliament?

The SPEAKER: Because I was in a meeting at lunchtime with some of my colleagues. It happens in this place. I am sure you all had meetings with your colleagues also. It was not about standing orders or anything else, but I did mention to them that today these new provisions have come in and everyone in this place needs to be aware of it. There is no hidden agenda in any comments I have made to members.

Mrs REDMOND: Madam Speaker, as a further point of clarification; I am still confused as to why the members on this side of the house get told of the new order and not the members on the other side of the house.

The SPEAKER: Well then, Leader of the Opposition, I think perhaps you should reflect on your behaviour over the last couple of weeks.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!