Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask members to remain in the chamber. We have some housekeeping matters to deal with. It is a special day and week, as you know. The Deputy Prime Minister almost made it out!

I want to go through some arrangements regarding the budget speech this evening and the budget reply on Thursday. I would like to briefly deal with those housekeeping arrangements for tonight's speech. I ask that all members note that the usual arrangements—importantly, the courtesies—will apply to the Treasurer's budget speech and equally to the Leader of the Opposition's speech in reply on Thursday evening. As with all proceedings of the House, the member with the call is entitled to speak without interruption. In accordance with the precedent, should I determine that a member be required to leave the House under standing order 94A, the member will be advised by written note.

I ask members to ensure that their guests arrive at the galleries in good time to undertake the secondary security clearance and to be seated in the galleries before 7.10 pm. As previously advised, guests arriving at Parliament House will be required to present photographic ID and to have their ticket to enter the galleries. As was the case last year I trust there will be cooperation from members and their invited guests in the galleries, for whom they are responsible. It should be the aim of members that both nights proceed smoothly for the benefit of the House and for those watching and listening to the proceedings.