Ms Anna Burke (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I make a brief statement to the House. I am choosing to do it now so that I have everybody's attention. In view of the significance of proceedings tonight and on Thursday night, and the need to ensure that the dignity of the House is protected, I wish to make some general remarks for the information of members to ensure that the proceedings and arrangements for chamber galleries, for the budget tonight and for budget reply night on Thursday, run smoothly.

As with any other proceedings of the House, there is the principle that any member with the call is entitled to speak without interruption. The Chair will take the necessary action to ensure that that is the case for both addresses. Where appropriate, I will take action under standing order 94(a) and will advise any offending member by written note. Any further action that I consider warranted will be initiated at the commencement of the next sitting day.

I ask members to ensure that their guests arrive at the galleries in a timely way for the address. Guests should arrive at the galleries about 30 minutes prior to the budget speech to ensure they can undertake the security clearance and be seated in the galleries in a timely way. I trust there will be cooperation from members and their guests in the galleries, and that the budget night and the budget night reply will proceed smoothly for the benefit of the House and for those watching and indeed for our nation so that we can ensure everyone who is listening hears the budget and the budget in reply.