House debates Questions to the Speaker

Standing Orders

Tuesday, 2 September 2008 House of Representatives

Russell Broadbent

Russell Broadbent McMillan, Liberal Party

3:49 pm

Last night in the House, while the member for Fowler was presenting her petitions, which is her duty as the chair of that committee—and this question is to you—I noted that a number of members walked between the chair and the member presenting her petitions. What is the convention of the House with regard to members walking between the Speaker and the person doing the presentation, as the decorum of the House is important to all of us?

Harry Jenkins

Harry Jenkins Speaker

Order! As I indicated, I am not taking questions on procedures at this point in time; I will take questions on administration. The member knows full well that the standing orders well and truly cover this and that it is not appropriate for the line between the member that has the call and the chair to be broken.