House debates

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Business

Rearrangement

1:49 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent government business today continuing past 2 p.m. and being interrupted at 2.30 p.m. for Question Time.

The Council of Australian Governments meeting has just concluded. The press conference between the Prime Minister, the premiers and the chief ministers began a matter of minutes ago. I have spoken to the Manager of Opposition Business and it has been agreed that this would be appropriate, given the importance of the COAG meeting. I should also note, and give notice, that after question time is commenced I will move whatever procedural resolutions are necessary to enable ministerial statements to be given after the conclusion of the matter of public importance debate.

Question agreed to.