Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Matters of public importance

Government achievements

The SPEAKER (16:01): I have received a statement from the member for Bentleigh proposing the following matter of public importance for discussion:

That this house notes the Andrews Labor government is delivering on its election commitments and doing what matters.

I call the member for Bentleigh. The member for Bentleigh is not in the house. The member for Bentleigh is not present, therefore the MPI lapses. The house will return to the appropriation bill.

Danny O’Brien: On a point of order, Speaker, I have been in the chamber for a number of years now, but this is the first time I have had this situation occur. I seek your guidance or an explanation as to why this is the case. When a matter is listed, it does not necessarily require that person to be speaking. I just seek an explanation as to why the matter of public importance actually lapses simply because the member is not in the chamber.

The SPEAKER: I will refer you to Rulings from the Chair:

Where a member submits a matter of public importance, it is for that member to lead the MPI discussion, and should the proposing member not be in the House to take the call, the MPI will not be able to proceed, and the next item of business will be called …

Therefore the house will return to the appropriation bill.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Gippsland South and the Deputy Premier will come to order! The Leader of the Nationals has the call.