Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Just before we proceed—I take that point from the Manager of Opposition Business, and he's entitled to move motions—there's a more fundamental point, though, and that is that the member for Kennedy is seeking to move some detailed amendments. They need to be circulated, and I haven't got a copy of them.

Opposition members interjecting—

No, actually the standing orders are very clear that amendments need to be circulated and available to members, and it's a point, in fact, that the member for Grayndler made rather vigorously on another occasion. I just want to understand that—

Opposition members interjecting—

While you're agreeing with me, that's fine! I just want to make sure that there are sufficient copies at the table.

Mr Katter interjecting—

You don't need to stand; I'll call you in a second. I'm just trying to clarify something. Understand—

Mr Katter interjecting—

Sure. It's obviously an issue with these amendments only just being tabled that it's important that the clerks have the opportunity to look at them and work out where they go sequentially. The Manager of Opposition Business has moved his motion. I don't feel that in good conscience we can proceed if we go down a wrong track with the bill with the amendments. What I'd suggest, if members are happy, just to give a little bit of time—I'm well within my rights to say I don't think there's been sufficient time, and they've only just been circulated. I first heard of their existence during the division. I could go through the House of RepresentativesPractice in arcane detail, and I could do that for several minutes. I just think it would be a better use of time if we moved to the 90-second statements, and that would mean that we would deal with it sufficiently. Is the Leader of the House happy with that course?

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