Rulings from the Chair
Member conduct
The SPEAKER (09:33): Yesterday during question time the member for Brunswick, the member for Melbourne, the member for Prahran and the member for Richmond wilfully obstructed the business of the house. This was a premeditated disruption to the smooth running of the chamber. I have requested an apology to the house for this behaviour from the members involved. I want to make it clear that the request for an apology is for the disruptive behaviour that violated the rules of the house yesterday and for no other reason. I add that this is not the first time that unruly behaviour has occurred, and therefore I will not be seeking apologies for further premeditated and deliberate abuse of standing orders. Serious disruption will be sanctioned immediately, particularly for those who have been engaged in disruptive behaviour before. I ask that the members for Brunswick, Melbourne, Prahran and Richmond now apologise unreservedly to the house.
Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (09:34): On behalf of the members for Prahran, Brunswick, Richmond and myself, we apologise.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I accept the apology.
James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, every member is elected to this place in their own name. No member is accountable through any other member. It is only appropriate that any member who has behaved improperly apologise to this house individually and personally, and I would say with deep regret that if the Speaker’s ruling were otherwise we would move dissent from the Speaker’s ruling.
The SPEAKER: That is my decision, and my decision stands.