House debates

Thursday, 18 June 2015

Statement by the Speaker

Chamber Procedures

3:12 pm

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Earlier in the week in the Federation Chamber, the member for Grayndler raised questions about the allocation of the call during consideration in detail of the main appropriation bill, Appropriation Bill (No. 1). There have been issues raised about this matter over some time, although as a general practice it has now evolved that a question and answer format is generally used, rather than a general debate. However, there are valid issues to be raised about how best to deal with the consideration in detail of the appropriation bills. With this in mind, I have spoken to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and asked that that committee examine the way in which we deal with the consideration in detail of Appropriation Bill (No. 1) to see if we can work out a more satisfactory way that is consistent, because different deputy chairs can give the call in different ways. I think it is much better that we ask the procedure committee to have a look at it and report back to me, and then we can deal with it and discuss with the Leader of the House and with the Manager of Opposition Business what is the best way to proceed. The member for Grayndler?

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | | Hansard source

With your indulgence, Madam Speaker—

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Are you rising on a point of order, or what?

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | | Hansard source

I am seeking indulgence.

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I do not propose to debate what I have just said.

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | | Hansard source

I am not debating it.

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

Then what are you doing?

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | | Hansard source

I am just raising the issue, as I am the person who has raised it, in terms of what the problems and issues are.

Photo of Mrs Bronwyn BishopMrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

There is no indulgence given. I am perfectly well aware of what problems are. I call the honourable the Minister for Agriculture.