Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

As Speaker, I believe that members should be heard in absolute silence when they're asking a question, for the supremacy of respect for the member as well as the importance of the information they're providing the House. I've been more than tolerant and fair with this process. But I'm asking all members in all parts of the chamber to respect one another when they're on their feet asking a question. You may not like what the content is, but every member is entitled to that supremacy. And there is a distinct audible noise when members of the crossbench or the non-major parties ask their questions. So I'm just asking members to show respect, and in that vein I'm going to ask the member for North Sydney to begin her question again so that she can be heard in silence, just as the Leader of the Opposition was and as a member of the government would be heard.

See this speech in context