Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Lilley is warned. I am going to address some remarks to all members—without interjections, if members wish to remain in the chamber. The level of noise, as I said, is now too high. It was too high yesterday. When I became Speaker, I said that the parliament should be a robust place. I also said that I would give a fair go to all but, in return, I wanted to see an improvement in the level of discourse. The Leader of the Opposition at that time made the point that it was a good time for all members to reflect on their behaviour, and he was right. There are many members who do not interject, and there are a large number who have not been sent out under 94(a). But there are some who have been frequently sent out. I accept, of course, from time to time there will be reactions and interjections—I am a realist—but continuing persistent interjections from those who have been continually ejected will not be tolerated. I want to give fair warning that I will be taking more severe action if necessary, which the standing orders allow.

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