Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

I have two statements to make to the House for the interest of honourable members. The first concerns private members' business and it's an important statement on behalf of all members. You'd be aware of the process for the selection of business to be considered during private members' business time. Recently, a number of bills and motions have been withdrawn after they've been selected and reported by the Selection Committee and adopted by the House. Such late withdrawals cause disruption not only to the Selection Committee but, importantly, to members who are prepared to speak on the bills or motions. Further, the late withdrawal of bills or motions from the House causes disruption to the ordinary business of the House, with consequences under the standing orders. I'm making this statement to remind all members that only under extreme circumstances should bills or motions already reported by the Selection Committee and adopted by the House be withdrawn.

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