Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senators, I take this opportunity to remind you about the conventions for first speeches in the Senate. The time limit is 20 minutes, and the clock is usually set for 20 minutes. While some tolerance is given by the chair to senators to exceed that time limit from time to time, in acknowledgement of it being a first speech and of nervousness and other matters, we ask that senators observe the 20-minute rule where possible. Also, senators when making their first speeches are heard in silence. This is on the basis that their speeches do not contain material that is unduly provocative. If senators do not adhere to that standard they cannot expect to be heard without interjection or points of order. Finally, I urge senators to study Privilege Resolution No. 9, which encourages presidents to remind senators from time to time to exercise their great freedom of speech responsibly.