Senate debates Statement by the President
Photography in the Chamber
Stephen Parry President
5:36 pm
I advise senators that I have had a request from the media to take photographs of divisions in the remaining hours and days of this sitting of the Senate. I have raised this before with the Senate and I have indicated that, if the concurrence of the Senate is granted, I would indicate that photographs must only be broad shots of the chamber, that individual senators or groups of senators not be the focus of any particular shot and that the media rules or otherwise be complied with at all times. If there is not concurrence, I will advise the media accordingly. Is there concurrence for shots of divisions to be taken?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I am all for a discussion on this, I am just not sure that this is the right moment to discuss it, that is all.
Stephen Parry President
5:37 pm
In that case, if I do not have total concurrence, I will discuss it with party leaders in the morning.
Scott Ryan Victoria, Liberal Party
Mr President, I was going to suggest that course of action.
Richard Di Natale Victoria, Australian Greens
This may be redundant but I do not see why we should be preventing photographers from coming in and taking photographs. I do not see any problem with it.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Honourable Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Stephen Parry President
Order on both sides! I will raise the matter again in the morning but I will consult with the major party leaders.