Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Yes. The Leader of the House is correct. This was not addressed on Monday. To be fair to the House, it is the responsibility of the opposition and the government to update the House. That didn't occur. But, under the standing orders, it is also within the Speaker's purview to resolve these matters, and I chose to do that on advice from the Leader of the Opposition, who advised me that, by the nature of those positions and within consultation, they are able to be members of the executive, or to sit there. To assist the House moving forward, if there are changes in the future, it would be helpful to the House if someone could advise the House of that so that the Speaker isn't placed in that position and this matter doesn't have to be resolved in such a way. We're clear on that matter. We'll deal with the point of order from the Deputy Leader of the Nationals.

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