Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Obviously having ruled on that principle does not mean that a speaker would therefore allow the debate to continue until every single person in the House had spoken. The closure was moved on the Treasurer and then it was moved on the very next speaker. I need to allow a reasonable level of debate. I do not at this point think that two speakers is a reasonable level of debate given the number of divisions that we have had on the issue and given that I outlined the principle just some time ago. That is obviously a judgement I need to make. I just asked the Leader of the Opposition to resume his seat. I heard the member for Grayndler in good faith when the Assistant Treasurer was at the dispatch box. It is very clear, as I am explaining this, how I am ruling, and I am not going to let the Leader of the Opposition, despite his seniority, jump in ahead of the Assistant Treasurer.

Mr Burke interjecting—

All right then. On that point, if he is seeking the call on the motion, that is a different matter.

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