Chris Bowen (Prospect, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on Monday this week the President of the Senate told Senate estimates that the $2 million retractable bollards at the three entrances to this building would not operate between 8 am and 9 am this week and in the next sitting weeks. This morning the retractable bollards were working as normal at that time of the morning. Mr Speaker, were you consulted about this, and are you aware if this decision has anything to do with the television program A Current Affair indicating to the Department of Parliamentary Services yesterday that they would be in Parliament House today to film a story on this issue?

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Prospect. I am aware of the question to the President of the Senate. I am also aware that the bollards have been operating since. I am not aware of the last point he raises. I would also make the point that all members would be interested to know that the operation of the bollards is something new and the Presiding Officers intend to review it shortly to see how effective it is proving to be.