Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I will not make a long statement on the matter now. If I feel the need to make a longer statement, I will do it at a later time. What I am endeavouring to do with members on all sides is give fair warning before they are ejected under 94(a). I am, I think, within my rights giving fair warning to persistent interjectors, of which there are a number who continue to interject. The alternative would be to simply not give them that additional warning. That is the approach I have sought to take. It has not meant that I am not ejecting people under 94(a), but I think the member for Chisholm would agree that those who are ejected have absolutely no surprise nor do other members of the House about it.

I will make a further statement if I feel the need. Of course, practice evolves and, as the member for Chisholm knows, speakers handle practice or rulings in different ways and have different approaches. I am seeking to bring my approach, after some consideration to this issue. I will certainly deal with members who are behaving in a disorderly way, but I do not want any member to think if they are persistently interjecting they are not going to get my attention.

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