Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Joint sitting of Parliament

Legislative Council vacancy

Members of both houses met in Assembly chamber at 6:22 pm.

The Clerk: Before proceeding with the business of this joint sitting, it is necessary to appoint a Chair.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I move:

That the Honourable Maree Edwards, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, be appointed Chair of this joint sitting.

She is willing to accept the nomination, I am advised.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the motion.

The Clerk: Are there any other proposals? There being no other proposal, the Honourable Maree Edwards, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, will take the chair for this joint sitting.

The CHAIR (Maree Edwards): Under the Constitution Act 1975 this joint sitting must be conducted in accordance with rules adopted by members present at the sitting. The first item, therefore, will be the adoption of the rules.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I move:

That joint rule of practice 2 be the rules for this joint sitting.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the motion.

Motion agreed to.

The CHAIR: The rules have been adopted. I remind everyone, including visitors in the gallery, that photos and applause are not allowed. I now invite proposals from members for a person to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier): I propose:

That Anasina Gray-Barberio be chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

She is willing to accept the nomination. In order to satisfy the joint sitting as to the requirements of section 27A(4) of the Constitution Act 1975, I also advise that the Speaker has advice from the Australian Greens Victoria’s registered officer that Anasina Gray-Barberio is the selection of the Australian Greens Victoria, the party previously represented in the Legislative Council by Samantha Ratnam.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition): I second the proposal.

The CHAIR: Are there any further proposals? As there are no further nominations, I declare that nominations are closed. The question is:

That Anasina Gray-Barberio be chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council.

Question agreed to.

The CHAIR: I declare that Anasina Gray-Barberio has been chosen to occupy the vacant seat in the Legislative Council. I will advise the Governor accordingly.

I now declare the joint sitting closed.

Proceedings terminated 6:25 pm.