Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

It was not appropriate at the start, when I was moving the procedural motions, to give a speech explaining what the arrangements for the day would be, so I'll do that now so that the House is aware. But I thank the House for allowing that to go through without debate. It was important that the Prime Minister's moving speech be the first speech of the day.

This will be the only issue that we deal with today. Speeches are five minutes. The tradition historically has actually only been leaders' speeches given and we finish up quite early, but there has been an understandable wish for extra time from members, and there is a significant number of people who would like to make additional comments. That's why we have gone for a different procedure to what has happened previously, although it's some years since the House has had to use the protocols for an event such as this.

At the end of the debate, it will simply be dealt with on the voices and the House will automatically adjourn. There will be no adjournment debate today. I also raise the protocol with respect to which many members will want to make speeches. I suspect more members will be in attendance. There is within the resolution that the House carried earlier today the standard clause that these arrangements can be varied on a motion moved by a minister. No-one should be concerned about that. That is just part of it, as it always is. There is no intention for there to be any further divisions or any quorums or anything like that during the course of the day. I'll just add that, for those members who feel that the leaders' speeches have in fact dealt with the issues that they wanted to raise, that's understood and there is no disrespect from any members who may choose not to make a speech today.

I will simply add, on behalf of the people of Watson, my condolences and deepest respect and gratitude for a life of service. I have very early memories of the two great-aunts who raised my father, who had all sorts of views about the United Kingdom, being the Irish Catholics that they were. But they were so proud of the photographs they had from when Her Majesty visited Sydney and always had on display their best fine bone china teacup, which was always known as 'the cup for the Queen' in case she ever popped around. I simply add those comments and join with all members in sending condolences to everybody who is grieving but most specifically those people who have lost a dear member of their family as well. May she rest in peace.

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