Page 2142 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 6 June 1990
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number of interjections in a moderate tone are normal parliamentary procedure, but I do expect the level of interjection to decrease now that the members themselves are calling for it.
Mr Moore: In fact it is only Dr Kinloch who has called for it. Page 496 of House of Representatives Practice supports what you are saying. It says:
Modern thinking is that, as the house is a place of thrust and parry, the Chair should not necessarily intervene in the ordinary course of debate ... There should only be intervention if interjections are, in the opinion of the Chair, too frequent or are such as to interrupt the flow of a member's speech, or are obviously upsetting the member who has the call.
I think the sort of approach that Dr Kinloch is putting is totally out of step with normal parliamentary practice.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Moore.
Dr Kinloch: Mr Speaker, I am perfectly happy for someone to move - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Dr Kinloch, you have not got the call. Mr Moore, your point is valid and thank you for your observation.
Dr Kinloch: I raise as a point of order standing order 61, Mr Speaker. If the words there are incorrect, then by all means let us dispose of that point of order.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you for your observation, Dr Kinloch. As members will recall, I have been trying for at least six months to have submissions from all members of this chamber on amendments to the standing orders. To date, I have not received any. I think you are being a little pedantic in this case, Dr Kinloch.
Mr Jensen: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I would like to draw your attention to standing order 275, for the benefit of members. I think this might solve some of the problems in relation to Dr Kinloch's concern.
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Jensen; we are aware of that now. Please proceed, Ms Follett.
MS FOLLETT: I think if anybody should complain about constant interruptions and interjections it should be me.
Mr Speaker, the Government has absolutely no mandate to close Royal Canberra Hospital. The decision flies in the face of their promises to the Canberra community. The Bill that I have presented today offers a last opportunity for members opposite to show that they are prepared to listen to the desires of the Canberra community and to act to
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