Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

If members could cease interjecting. I am aware of some of the history of the practice. Certainly Speaker Jenkins, I think back in the early months of 2008, indicated that he had a strong view on the very point that the Manager of Opposition Business is making. Many members have been in this House a long time and you can read the Practice but, either way, for long periods of time these questions were allowed and I believe—

Government members interjecting—

I have just said to the members opposite that it was Speaker Jenkins back in 2008 and there have been rulings either way. I would like to have free-flowing debate and I think that goes for questions as well. I am going to call the Minister for the Environment and I am going to listen to what he says.

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