Page 1788 - Week 05 - Thursday, 2 April 2009
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members have tabled documents in the Assembly that, in my opinion, are somewhat frivolous. These have included a copy of a photograph of a perimeter fence, an alleged copy of a policy of a party, copies of photographs of commercial developments, copies of minutes of a meeting and a suggested letter from an MLA to a commercial property owner.
The documents tabled become part of the formal record of proceedings.
My attention has been drawn to a recent media interview of the newly elected New Zealand Speaker, who made the observation that a lot of parliamentary time is wasted on the tabling of certain documents.
House of Representatives Practice at page 589 notes that it is expected that a member seeking leave to present a document will first show it to representatives of both parties in that chamber and that leave may be refused if this courtesy is not complied with.
Whilst I cannot enforce this practice as it is not in our standing orders, can I suggest that members abide by this practice. This will ensure that there are not increasing numbers of documents being tabled which are not really necessary for the proceedings of the Assembly.
Mr Seselja: Mr Speaker, can I seek clarification on that? Are you suggesting that it is both for ministers, who do not require leave, and non-executive members, who do require leave?
MR SPEAKER: Could you say that again, Mr Seselja?
Mr Seselja: Ministers do not require leave, and non-executive members do require leave to table documents. Are you suggesting this practice should apply to both?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, I am.
Questions without notice
Planning—Deakin swimming pool
MR SESELJA: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, on page 14 of the parliamentary agreement between ACT Labor and the ACT Greens your government has agreed to:
Provide adequate funds to ensure that all primary school students have access to swimming and water survival skills by July 2009.
Treasurer, what level of funding will you provide to achieve this goal given the recent closure of the Deakin swimming pool due partly to the inaction of the planning minister?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Mr Seselja for the question. The ongoing implementation of the parliamentary agreement is subject to discussion between the Greens and the ALP, including any decisions around budget initiatives and priority
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