David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

There was another instance yesterday of members holding up placards in the chamber during question time, thus disrupting a question being asked by the Leader of the Opposition. I have repeatedly made it clear that members should not behave in this way. The fact that some members have continued to do so constitutes defiance of the chair, which is a serious matter and a clear breach of standing orders. Consequently, I will no longer issue warnings on a case by case basis when members defy the chair in this way. The full disciplinary provisions of standing orders and the practice of the House will be considered. Where this involves the naming of whichever members fall within the Speaker’s line of sight, it will be necessary in accordance with House practice for separate motions to be moved for the suspension of each member. It will be for members to decide whether this is the way they wish to spend question time. I repeat my earlier advice to the House that a member with the call may make a passing reference to a displayed object or article. However, members who do not have the call may not do so and will be dealt with accordingly.

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