Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the last parliament, I asked the former Speaker whether he could investigate the parliament becoming a breast—I mean breastfeeding—friendly workplace.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that members on the other side of this House may not recognise the importance of breastfeeding.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for North Sydney will resume his seat.

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sit down! Sit down for a change!

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Shortland! The member for Shortland has the right to ask me a question but not to enter into debate.

Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Further to my question, in the last parliament it was a recommendation from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing that this parliament become a breastfeeding friendly workplace and be accredited as such. Given that parliament has just approved the establishment of a childcare centre, I think it would be very appropriate if that was investigated and reported back to the House. I would appreciate it if you could talk to the President of the Senate about this matter.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Hockey interjecting

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for North Sydney will resume his seat. I just want to answer the question. It is about administration of the place. Today, the Presiding Officers signed the appropriate documents to send off the accreditation papers as a breastfeeding friendly workplace.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. To assist the chair: the government changed the standing orders, with the support of the opposition, to allow for people to breastfeed.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question goes to a different point. The question has been asked and I hope that people believe that I have given a relevant answer, which was that it just happened to be this morning that we did it.