House debates

Monday, 23 February 2009

Business

Rearrangement

12:02 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the order of the day relating to the Victorian bushfires motion of condolence moved by the Deputy Prime Minister being called on at 2.00 pm today prior to questions without notice.

I am advised that the member for McEwen will be returning to the House today after a week of absence due to the circumstances of her electorate being particularly adversely affected by the Victorian bushfire tragedies. It would be appropriate that the member for McEwen be given the opportunity to address this House at 2 pm. She will be the final speaker in the debate over the condolence motion and then it is anticipated that the condolence motion will then be carried in the usual respectful manner.

Question agreed to.