Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

In the last parliament, I asked the former Speaker whether he could investigate the parliament becoming a breast—I mean breastfeeding—friendly workplace.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that members on the other side of this House may not recognise the importance of breastfeeding.

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

Order! The member for North Sydney will resume his seat.

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Sit down! Sit down for a change!

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

Order! The member for Shortland! The member for Shortland has the right to ask me a question but not to enter into debate.

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Further to my question, in the last parliament it was a recommendation from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing that this parliament become a breastfeeding friendly workplace and be accredited as such. Given that parliament has just approved the establishment of a childcare centre, I think it would be very appropriate if that was investigated and reported back to the House. I would appreciate it if you could talk to the President of the Senate about this matter.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Hockey interjecting

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

Order! The member for North Sydney will resume his seat. I just want to answer the question. It is about administration of the place. Today, the Presiding Officers signed the appropriate documents to send off the accreditation papers as a breastfeeding friendly workplace.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. To assist the chair: the government changed the standing orders, with the support of the opposition, to allow for people to breastfeed.

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

The question goes to a different point. The question has been asked and I hope that people believe that I have given a relevant answer, which was that it just happened to be this morning that we did it.