Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Members on my left will cease interjecting. I ask the Leader of the Opposition to resume his seat for a second. I appreciate the Leader of the Opposition is seeking indulgence. I have reflected on this matter. I would only normally grant that if the subject matter was something not of the nature we're dealing with—that is, a national emergency or something like that. I can't think of instances where essentially an updating of the House or adding to an answer has had the Speaker grant an indulgence. Whilst I'm always wanting to ensure that members have ample opportunity to express their views, there are other opportunities throughout the course of the day and other options open to the Leader of the Opposition, working backwards from the adjournment to now. Regrettably, I don't think I should change that practice, otherwise every time a minister or the Prime Minister adds to an answer we'd be reopening a debate. Regretfully, I won't grant him that indulgence, but I'm happy to call the Leader of the Opposition.

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