Page 397 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 June 1989
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Whilst the size of this chamber and the limited access to it create a number of difficulties, I have made temporary arrangements which will meet the need which has been identified. A table and chairs have been placed adjacent to the door of the broadcasting equipment room and these will be used by advisers when the Assembly is considering a Bill in the detail stage.
The arrangement is not entirely satisfactory because, although the location is similar to that provided in other parliaments, it is somewhat intrusive in our small chamber. Unfortunately, access is possible only by moving through the chamber. This is undesirable and technically out of order, but until some building alterations can be implemented it will have to be accepted. When a particular Bill is being debated and advisers are required to attend, they will move from the seats at the front of the gallery to the advisers area on the floor of the chamber via the somewhat restricted space behind the Ministers' seats. Ministers' desks have been relocated slightly to make such movement a little easier.
These arrangements are an initial solution and I will review the situation at the end of the current group of sittings. I might add that the advisers will not be permitted to go on the floor of the chamber and are to remain at their position in the seating provided. Ministers will come to them, and not vice versa.
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, may I ask whether you will consider making similar space available for advisers to opposition members. When Bills are discussed in the chamber, it is necessary sometimes for opposition members also to have access to advisers, and in most chambers of which I am aware provision is made also for opposition advisers to be housed somewhere close to their masters. I would like you to consider it and report whether this is possible.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Humphries. I will take that on notice.
PETITION
The Acting Clerk: The following petition has been lodged for presentation, and a copy will be referred to the appropriate Minister:
ACT Casino Control Ordinance
To the Presiding Officer and members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory assembled.
The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Australian Capital Territory respectfully showeth
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