Senate debates

Wednesday, 16 March 2016

Statement by the President

Photography in the Chamber

5:36 pm

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

5:37 pm

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

In that case, if I do not have total concurrence, I will discuss it with party leaders in the morning.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Mr President, I was going to suggest that course of action.

Photo of Richard Di NataleRichard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Order on both sides! I will raise the matter again in the morning but I will consult with the major party leaders.