Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I have two questions to you. The first one flows from your responsibilities as Speaker under page 604 of House of Representatives Practice in terms of Hansard. I refer to the Prime Minister adding to an answer. Will the Speaker now ensure that the Hansard of yesterday accurately reflects what the Prime Minister stated before the parliament, that is, ‘productivity will always be higher, and growth will always be stronger under a Labor government—under a Liberal government rather than a coalition government’? I seek leave to table the transcript from ABC news last night, which reflects accurately what the Prime Minister said.

Leave granted.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to the member for Grayndler I first of all draw his attention to page 603 of House of Representatives Practice, which states:

The parliamentary debates are the full reports of the speeches of Members of the House. The debates are substantially the verbatim reports, with no unnecessary additions, with repetitions and redundancies omitted and with obvious mistakes corrected ...

In relation to yesterday, I have viewed the tape of proceedings and I have sought advice from Hansard on this matter. I am advised that, consistent with Hansard practice of correcting obvious mistakes or slips of the tongue, the text was corrected by Hansard prior to the greens being sent out and posted on the senators and members portal. I might add that I think this courtesy is extended by Hansard to all members. I am quite certain that most occupants of this chamber have been the beneficiary of this courtesy at some time or other.