Roger Price (Chifley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the question now be put.

A division having been called and the bells having been rung—

Mr Deputy Speaker, is the minister allowed to interrupt the debate like that and move that the question be put?

Yes.

Mr Deputy Speaker, can you confer with the clerks and confirm with them that the minister has the capacity to gag the debate, interrupting my contribution, without, at the very least, moving that I no longer be heard?

I will consult the clerks but it is my understanding that the question is before the House and the minister is entitled to put the motion that the question be put.

While someone else has the call?

The Chief Opposition Whip, I understand—

I apologise, Mr Deputy Speaker, but on a point of order: the member for Hunter was on his feet. I am not disputing that the minister can move the motion he did, but he did not have the call at the time and I do not understand why the member for Hunter was not allowed to continue his contribution.

It is my understanding that any member, but especially the minister, can rise and put the motion that he put, irrespective of who is speaking. I have been informed by the Clerk that, after a question has been proposed from the chair, a member may move without notice, and whether or not any other member is speaking, that the question be now put. The matter should be put immediately. I thank the clerks for their wisdom and guidance.

Question put.

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