Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

KER (): Following an incident earlier today, for the benefit of all members—and in particular for all new members—I want to remind members of the procedures for when the attention of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is drawn to the state of the House and the Speaker or Deputy Speaker observes that a quorum is not present. Standing order 56(d) is clear: no member may leave the chamber while the bells are ringing or until a quorum is present. I understand the member for Fairfax has indicated he would like the call.

Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. My apologies to the House and my thanks to you for your wise counsel in this regard. It's also a little bit embarrassing when a quorum is called immediately after you've given a speech, because it indicates there weren't many people in the House listening to your speech! I want to assure the member for Moreton there was certainly no offence to you, who spoke after me as I left the House in a rush. And, therefore, I make that apology.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Fairfax.