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

Senators, after question time on Monday last, Senator Bernardi asked whether I had made a ruling in relation to photographs being taken by senators in the chamber. I indicated that I had not. However, I do now, in relation to some events that have occurred in the chamber. In accordance with standing order 184, which provides that order shall be maintained by the President, I make this ruling.

This ruling relates to senators taking photographs in the chamber and, more broadly, to the use of electronic devices in the chamber. It reflects what has been accepted practice for many years, which I set out in a procedural bulletin of September last year and which my predecessor, President Hogg, advised in 2011.

I ask that all senators be mindful of this ruling and bring it to the attention of each senator's staff. A copy of this ruling will be circulated to all senators this morning. I thank the Senate.