Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

Order! We are going to deal with this issue once and for all. I have now checked my records and I want to make a statement to the House. We have dealt with this before. I want to go through the House where we're at with this issue, because I'm relying on former Speakers' advice and what they have said to the House on this matter as well. Speaker Andrew probably gave the most comprehensive description of improper motives at the beginning, middle and end of questions, as highlighted on page 556 of Practice, and noted the attitude to intervene when the attribution of motive was such that it cannot be ignored. Speaker Smith ruled on two occasions. I want to read some of his statements about this descriptor coming in, which will then be used as a tag. On two occasions, he ruled that part of the question out of order. That was on 15 February 2021 and 4 December 2018. Speaker Smith said in relation to this issue being raised, 'I am certainly not comfortable with the language that just makes assertions as it did. I am really not. And those on my left'—the then opposition—'would not be comfortable if that sort of language was directed back at them.'

Government members interjecting—

We don't need commentary from those on my right, either. Language should not be in question. I'm following the practice and the precedent of two former speakers here. On both occasions, Speaker Smith just ruled the questions out of order. I'm not going to do that; I'm going to invite the member, as is my practice to make sure every question remains within the standing orders, just to remove that part of the question and begin his question again.

No, you can't make a comment. Do you wish to make a point of order?

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