Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:

(1) the time and order of business for Tuesday, 4 June 2013 being as follows:

(a) the House shall meet at 12 noon;

(b) the Federation Chamber shall meet from 12.10 p.m. until 1.45 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. until 10 p.m., and standing order 193 (Members’ Constituency Statements) shall be suspended;

(c) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. any division on a question called for in the House, other than on a motion moved by a Minister during this period, shall stand deferred until the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance; and

(d) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. if any member draws the attention of the Speaker to the state of the House, the Speaker shall announce that she will count the House at the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance, if the Member then so desires; and

(2) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.

Question agreed to.

by leave—I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the time for the meetings of the Federation Chamber for this week being varied as follows:

(1) on:

(a) Wednesday, 5 June 2013, the Federation Chamber shall meet from 9.30 a.m. until approximately 1.45 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. until approximately 7.30 p.m.; and

(b) Thursday, 6 June 2013, the Federation Chamber shall meet from 9.30 a.m. until approximately 1.45 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. until 5 p.m. or the adjournment of the House, whichever is the earlier; and

(2) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.

Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Speaker, can I just get some clarity as to why?

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is simply providing more opportunity for debate. We have got some long lists and a lot of business before the House.

Question agreed to.