Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, before petitions are presented to the House, the Petitions Committee assesses each one to ensure that they comply with the Standing Orders. There are several requirements in the Standing Orders, but today I would like to briefly mention the Committee's approach to the requirement for moderate language in petitions.

Clearly the Committee does not accept petitions that contain derogatory, offensive or abusive language. In line with the requirements of the House, we do not allow insults to Members of Parliament, the judiciary or the Governor-General. Petitions should rely on reasoned argument rather than inflammatory words.

The Committee has also taken the view that language which discloses personal information about a private individual is not 'moderate'. Petitions that are about a person who is not the petitioner or a public figure are usually considered out of order. Petitions are not a forum for arguments or debate between individuals.

Mr Speaker, the Petitions Committee is working to reduce the number of requests for petitions that do not comply with the Standing Orders. We are also committed to explaining why a petition is considered out of order, and the criteria that we apply to assess each petition.

I look forward to updating the House further on the work of the Committee.