Page 3431 - Week 11 - Thursday, 15 November 2007
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Mrs Burke: My apologies, Mr Speaker; I was just trying to get advice.
MR SPEAKER: Order! We have already called on a bill; the discussion across the floor ignores the fact that a bill has been called on. I think we have to proceed with the bill.
Mr Hargreaves: Mr Speaker, can I move the suspension of so much of standing orders that would prevent Mrs Burke from making a statement?
MR SPEAKER: That adds further to the confusion. My understanding was that Mrs Burke was going to seek my leave to make a statement pursuant to standing order 46.
Mr Hargreaves: I have just taken that out of your hands.
MR SPEAKER: It is my practice to make sure that these statements are made in between business to ensure that they do not interfere with the business of the Assembly. Mrs Burke declined the opportunity to raise it at the time when I raised it.
Mr Hargreaves: All right; then there will be a penalty to pay.
MR SPEAKER: I then asked the Clerk to call on the bill. The bill has been called on. I think we have to proceed.
Mr Stefaniak: Excuse me, Mr Speaker. Just on your ruling: Mr Hargreaves was seeking to suspend standing orders. Certainly that would have our support. I think that is the proper procedure. There has been a bit of confusion.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hargreaves is perfectly entitled to move to suspend standing orders if he wishes.
Mr Stefaniak: Yes.
Standing orders—suspension
Motion (by Mr Hargreaves) agreed to with the concurrence of an absolute majority.
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Mrs Burke from making a statement.
Personal explanation
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Burke, do you want to make a personal explanation?
MRS BURKE (Molonglo): I apologise to members for the confusion and I seek leave to make a statement.
MR SPEAKER: Pursuant to standing order 46?
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