Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker has asked me to read the following statement to the House:

The matter of public importance debate is one of the primary avenues for private members of the House to be able to initiate immediate debate on a matter which is of current concern.

If more than one matter is proposed for discussion on the same day, and this occurs regularly, it is my responsibility as Speaker to select the matter that is to be debated.

As honourable members should be aware, my decision is always made on merit and is not influenced by any political party or person.

As noted in House of Representatives Practice, the choice of the matter to be debated is a discretion for the Speaker and the Speaker cannot be required to give reasons for choosing one matter ahead of another.

However as Speaker I have regard to the relative urgency and importance of the matters proposed and whether they have been the subject of recent discussions.