Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Manager of Opposition Business. Given the significance of the day, I have heard him at length. I thank him for the way in which he raised it. With respect to the arrangements, arrangements within the building lie with the event organisers. As Speaker, my role is to give various approvals. In this case they fell into three categories. One was to agree to the guests on the floor of the chamber and in the Speaker's gallery up there, which was done. The other is, whenever there is use of the private areas, to give that approval, which was given. The third is a waiving of the media rules if that request is made. That is the extent of my involvement.

When you talk about matters within the parliament, obviously within the House I have a responsibility, but when functions are happening throughout the building, as I said, it really does lie with those organising them. I appreciate the manner in which the Manager of Opposition Business has raised this, and I hope that my answers clarify that for his perspective and for all members.

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