House debates Statements on Indulgence
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Sapphire Jubilee; Reference to Federation Chamber
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House
2:03 pm
by leave—I move:
That further statements in relation to the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
In so doing I would like to make the point that the behaviour of the members for Griffith and Bendigo has been particularly disgraceful but the whole Labor Party has lacked decorum and lacked respect for the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee. I am a republican, but your behaviour has been absolutely abominable.
Tony Smith Speaker
Does the Manager of Opposition Business wish to speak to the motion?
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
I do wish to speak to the motion.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Leave is granted during question time for motions to be moved and not for speeches of that nature to be given. The government should think carefully if they want leave to be granted in future.
Government members interjecting—
Tony Smith Speaker
Those on my right will cease interjecting when I am seeking to speak to the House. I have listened to the Manager of Opposition Business. I have already had to caution the member for Griffith for interrupting proceedings before question time. I made that very clear while I was waiting to give the Leader of the Opposition the call. I am going to put the motion moved by the Leader of the House. Since the point has been raised, I am not happy with the behaviour in the House before question time. I think it reflects poorly on the House and it is not what people have come to question time to see.
Question agreed to.