Bob McMullan (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have spoken, unfortunately, on several such motions, including, recently, for a former Senate colleague, and my recollection is not that that was the process. I have no recollection of ever having sought indulgence to speak on such a matter before.

As I say, I have no question about the manner in which the matter was conducted by you in here, Mr Speaker, or by the Deputy Speaker or other deputy speakers—in my case the Deputy Speaker was the member for Herbert—all of whom conducted the debate excellently. But I am concerned that there might have been a precedent. I ask you to review the process. If I am wrong and this has been the norm, I would appreciate some advice to that effect. If it has not been, I would appreciate you advising members generally of the basis on which the decision was made.

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