Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to raise a procedural matter with you. It is normal for the Chief Government Whip to refer bills to the Main Committee, and it is done in consultation with the opposition. In this case it was not; it was done by a minister. The opposition gave leave for it to be done but if normal protocols are not followed leave will not be granted.

I thank the Chief Opposition Whip. We were expecting the Chief Government Whip to run through with that, but on advice in his absence it was agreed between the Clerk and I that the minister would handle that matter and it was agreed to by those at the table.

Mr Deputy Speaker, I am indicating to you there is a laid-out procedure. It is not up to the Clerk and the minister to set new interpretations of standing orders. The opposition is always willing to facilitate the government in emergent circumstances, but in future we will not provide leave, notwithstanding any advice by any clerk at the table, for those bills to be referred to the Main Committee. I see no reason to depart from the procedure and I object very strongly to the fact that advice was not provided by the clerks to the opposition about this matter.

I thank the Chief Opposition Whip. I think the strength and determination of his position should be well communicated to the Chief Government Whip—if not now, very shortly.