Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the House adopt the following resolution:

(1) The House permits Members’ use of electronic devices in the Chamber, Federation Chamber and committees, provided that:

(a) use of any device avoids interference or distraction to other Members, either visually or audibly, and does not interfere with proceedings—in particular, phone calls are not permitted and devices should be operated in silent mode;

(b) devices are not used to record the proceedings (either by audio or visual means);

(c) communication on social media regarding private meetings of committees or in camera hearings will be considered a potential breach of privilege; and

(d) the use of devices is as unobtrusive as possible and is directly related to the Members’ parliamentary duties; and

(2) The House notes that:

(a) communication via electronic devices, whether in the Chamber or not, is unlikely to be covered by parliamentary privilege; and

(b) reflections on the Chair by Members made on social media may be treated as matters of order just as any such reflections made inside or outside the Chamber.

In September last year, the Procedure Committee completed its inquiry into the use of electronic devices in the chamber and the Federation Chamber. One of the key findings of this report was that no specific standing orders refer to the use of electronic devices in the chamber.

The report recommended adopting a resolution which outlines a number of common-sense provisions for the use of electronic devices: the use must avoid interference with or distraction of other members and proceedings; the device must not record proceedings; social media communication regarding private meetings or in-camera hearings will be considered a potential breach of privilege; and the use must be as unobtrusive as possible. Use of these devices is only increasing, and it is for the benefit and clarity of members that the resolution as circulated is recommended. I thank the Procedure Committee for its work in this area and the opposition for their support.

Question agreed to.