Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I would direct your attention to the case of the Attorney-General of Western Australia and Marquet. This case is germane to the action of the government in suspending quorum requirements on Monday and Tuesday between 6.30 and 8 pm and on Friday between 9 am and the end of the grievance debate. I would ask you to consider whether this change to the standing orders is in breach of section 39 of the Australian Constitution and therefore invalid. Can you assure the House that, in seeking legal advice on this matter, the advice is made available to the House and to the public? I seek leave to table the reports on the case in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court for your elucidation.

Leave not granted.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In response to the member for Sturt: as you know, he asked me a question last week that I have taken on notice. I will take the matters he has raised today on notice without indicating what action I will take in preparing a response for him, but he will get a response.