LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

Standing Orders and Procedure Committee

REPORT 3/56 – MARCH 2016

CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS AND CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS AND CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

REPORT 3/56 – MARCH 2016

New South Wales Parliamentary Library cataloguing-in-publication data:

New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Assembly. Standing Orders and Procedure Committee.

Changes to the Routine of Business and consequential changes to the Sessional Orders / Legislative Assembly, Standing Orders and Procedure Committee. [Sydney, N.S.W.] : the Committee, 2015. – [15] pages ; 30 cm. (Report ; no. 3/56)

Chair: The Hon. MP.

“March 2016”.

ISBN [TBC]

1. New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Assembly—Rules and practice. 2. Parliamentary practice—New South Wales. I. Title. II. Hancock, Shelley. III. Series: New South Wales. Parliament. Legislative Assembly. Standing Orders and Procedure Committee. Report ; no. 3/56.

328.944 (DDC22)

The motto of the coat of arms for the state of New South Wales is “Orta recens quam pura nites”. It is written in Latin and means “newly risen, how brightly you shine”. CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS

Contents

Membership ______ii Terms of reference ______iii Speaker’s foreword ______iv List of recommendations ______v

CHAPTER ONE – CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS ______1 SO 97: ROUTINE OF BUSINESS ______1 SO 35: BELLS ______6 SO 45: RESTRICTION ON QUORUM CALLS ______7 SO 46: ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING ______7 SO 108: PRIVATE MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS ______7 SO 108A: COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATEMENTS ______8 SO 109: MOTIONS ACCORDED PRIORITY ______9 SO 110: MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE ______11 SO 187: RESTRICTION ON DIVISIONS ______12 SO 306: COMMITTEE REPORTS, TABLING IN THE HOUSE AND DEBATE ______12

APPENDIX ONE – EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES ______14

MARCH 2016 i STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

Membership

CHAIR The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP

MEMBERS Mr MP Mr MP Mr MP Mr Andrew Fraser MP The Hon. Thomas George MP Ms Noreen Hay MP Mr MP Mr Chris Patterson MP Mr MP The Hon. MP

CONTACT DETAILS Legislative Assembly Standing Orders and Procedure Committee Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000

TELEPHONE (02) 9230 2222

FACSIMILE (02) 9230 2333

E-MAIL [email protected]

URL www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lastandingordersandprocedure

ii REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS

Terms of reference

The Standing Orders and Procedure Committee has been appointed to inquire into, and report on any matter relating to the Standing Orders or the procedures of the House and its committees.

MARCH 2016 iii STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

Speaker’s foreword

The Committee’s first report of 2016 recommends changes to the Routine of Business to re-schedule, and in some cases, extend periods of Government Business. Members should note however, that these changes do not reduce the amount of time provided for Private Members’ Business and the time provided for Community Recognition Statements actually increases.

On a Tuesday, where the House currently adjourns at 7.45 p.m. the proposed routine would allow for Government Business to be considered from around 4.00 p.m., after the conclusion of the Motion Accorded Priority, until around 9.30 p.m. when the House would hear Private Members’ Statements before adjourning at 10.00 p.m.

The Matter of Public Importance, currently discussed on a Tuesday would move to Thursday afternoon.

On a Wednesday afternoon, it is proposed that Government Business resumes after the conclusion of the Motion Accorded Priority and continues, without interruption for dinner, until the House adjourns at around 10.00 p.m. after Private Members’ Statements and the Matter of Public Importance.

On a Thursday, the House would consider Government Business in the morning after Notices of Motions, instead of after Question Time. The time provided for Members to consider bills and motions on a Thursday would remain the same, commencing after Government Business and concluding at 1.30 p.m. Debate on committee reports would move to the afternoon, following Question Time.

After committee reports, the House would discuss the Matter of Public Importance (re- scheduled from the Tuesday) before taking Community Recognition Statements until 4.30 p.m. when the Petition discussion takes place.

If the 30 minutes allocated to Community Recognition Statements (CRS’s) has not expired by 4.30 p.m., any remaining time will be available for statements after the conclusion of the petition discussion. Conversely, if CRS’s conclude before 4.30 p.m. then Private Members’ Statements would be taken until the commencement of the petition discussion and then continue after the discussion. The House would then adjourn.

These changes to the routine have consequential effects on individual sessional orders, and where necessary the Committee has also taken the opportunity to make minor changes to improve the construction of certain rules. These are highlighted in the report.

I commend the report and its recommendations to the House.

The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP Chair

iv REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS

List of recommendations

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the House adopt the proposed changes to the Sessional Orders.

MARCH 2016 v

CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

Chapter One – Changes to the Sessional Orders

SO 97: ROUTINE OF BUSINESS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

97. The House shall conduct its business in the 97. The House shall conduct its business in the following routine: following routine:

Tuesdays Tuesdays 1. At 12.00 noon the Speaker takes the Chair 1. At 12.00 noon the Speaker takes the Chair 2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions 2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices) (General Notices) 3. Private Members’ Statements 3. Private Members’ Statements, then the 4. At 1.30 p.m. the Speaker leaves the Chair Speaker leaves the Chair 5. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair 4. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair 6. Ministerial Statements 5. Ministerial Statements 7. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government 6. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence) Business, Bills, Business with Precedence 8. Giving of Notices of Motions to be Accorded under Standing Order 118) Priority 7. Giving of Notices of Motion to be Accorded 9. Question Time Priority 10. Ministerial Statements 8. Question Time 11. Papers 9. Ministerial Statements 12. Committees – Tabling of reports and 10. Papers notification of inquiries 11. Committees – Tabling of reports and 13. Petitions announcements 14. Announcement of Matter of Public 12. Petitions Importance 13. Placing or Disposal of Business 15. Placing or Disposal of Business 14. Motion Accorded Priority 16. Motion Accorded Priority 15. Business with Precedence under Standing 17. Business with Precedence Order 118, if any 18. At 4.00 p.m. Business before the House is 16. Government Business interrupted for Government Business. Any 17. Private Members’ Statements interrupted business lapses except when the 18. Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the House is considering Business with conclusion of Private Members’ Statements, if Precedence which shall stand as an order of concluded before 10.00 p.m. the day for tomorrow 19. At 7.00 p.m. Business before the House is Wednesdays interrupted for Private Members’ Statements. 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the Chair Any interrupted item of Government Business 2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions shall stand as an order of the day for (General Notices) tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a 3. Government Business division is in progress, that division shall be 4. At 1.15 p.m. Community Recognition completed Statements for up to 20 minutes, then the 20. Matter of Public Importance Speaker leaves the Chair

MARCH 2016 1 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

21. Adjournment at 7.45 p.m. or at the conclusion 5. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair of the Matter of Public Importance, if 6. Ministerial Statements concluded before 7.45 p.m. 7. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence Wednesdays under Standing Order 118, and General 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the Chair Business Notices of Motion to be the subject 2. Giving of Notices of Motions (General Notices) of a motion to re-order later in the sitting) 3. Government Business concluding at 1.15 p.m. 8. Giving of Notices of Motion to be Accorded Any interrupted item of Government Business Priority shall stand as an order of the day for a later 9. Question Time hour of the day. If at the time of interruption a 10. Ministerial Statements division is in progress, that division shall be 11. Papers completed 12. Committees – Tabling of reports and 4. Community Recognition Statements announcements concluding at 1.35 p.m. 13. Petitions 5. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair 14. Placing or Disposal of Business 6. Ministerial Statements 15. Re-ordering of General Business Orders of the 7. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Day (for Bills) and General Business (Notices of Business, Bills, Business with Precedence, and Motions) notices to be the subject of a motion to re- 16. Motion Accorded Priority order later in the sitting) 17. Business with Precedence under Standing 8. Giving of Notices of Motions to be Accorded Order 118, if any Priority 18. Government Business 9. Question Time 19. Private Members’ Statements 10. Ministerial Statements 20. Matter of Public Importance 11. Papers 21. Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the 12. Committees – Tabling of reports and conclusion of the Matter of Public Importance, notification of inquiries if concluded before 10.00 p.m. 13. Petitions 14. Announcement of Matter of Public Thursdays Importance 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the Chair 15. Re-ordering of General Business Orders of the 2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions Day (for Bills) and General Business (Notices of (General Notices) Motions) 3. Government Business for up to 30 minutes 16. Placing or Disposal of Business 4. General Business Notices of Motions for Bills 17. Motion Accorded Priority for up to 20 minutes 18. Business with Precedence 5. General Business Orders of the Day for Bills 19. At 4.00 p.m. business before the House is for up to 60 minutes interrupted for Government Business. Any 6. General Business Notices of Motions or Orders interrupted business lapses except when the of the Day (not being Bills) up to 1.30 p.m., House is considering Business with then the Speaker leaves the Chair Precedence which shall stand as an order of 7. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair the day for tomorrow 8. Ministerial Statements 20. At 6.30 p.m. the Speaker leaves the Chair. Any 9. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government interrupted item of Government Business Business, Bills, Business with Precedence shall stand as an order of the day for a later under Standing Order 118) time. If at the time of interruption a division is 10. Question Time in progress, that division shall be completed 11. Ministerial Statements 21. At 7.00 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair 12. Papers

2 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

22. Private Members’ Statements 13. Committees – Tabling of reports and 23. Government Business concluding at 9.45 p.m. announcements Any interrupted item of Government Business 14. Petitions shall stand as an order of the day for 15. Placing or Disposal of Business tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a 16. Business with Precedence under Standing division is in progress, that division shall be Order 118, if any completed 17. Committees Reports - take note debates for a 24. Matter of Public Importance period of up to 30 minutes 25. Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the 18. Matter of Public Importance conclusion of the Matter of Public Importance 19. Community Recognition Statements if concluded before 10.00 p.m. 20. At 4.30 p.m., Business of the House – Petitions 21. Community Recognition Statements (if not Thursdays completed) 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the Chair 22. Private Members’ Statements, after which the 2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions House shall adjourn without motion until the (General Notices) next sitting day 3. General Business Notices of Motions for Bills (concluding not later than 10.30 a.m.) Any interrupted item of Business shall be set down as an order of the day for tomorrow with precedence of other General Business Notices of Motions for Bills 4. General Business Orders of the Day for Bills (concluding not later than 11.30 a.m. or after the expiry of 60 minutes from the commencement of General Business Orders of the Day for Bills if commenced earlier than 10.30 a.m.) Any interrupted item of business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption, a division is in progress, that division shall be completed 5. General Business Notices of Motions or Orders of the Day (not being Bills) concluding at 1.00 p.m. Any interrupted business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow with precedence of other General Business (not being Bills). If at the time of interruption a division is in progress that division and any other division(s) to determine the matter shall be completed 6. At 1.00 p.m. consideration of tabled committee reports concluding at 1.30 p.m. Any interrupted item of business shall stand as an Order of the Day for tomorrow 7. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the Chair 8. Ministerial Statements 9. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence)

MARCH 2016 3 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

10. Question Time 11. Ministerial Statements 12. Papers 13. Committees – Tabling of reports and notification of inquiries 14. Petitions 15. Placing or Disposal of Business 16. Business with Precedence 17. Government Business 18. At 4.30 p.m. business before the House is interrupted for Business of the House – Petitions. Any interrupted item of Business with Precedence or Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed. 19. Community Recognition Statements 20. Private Members’ Statements after which the House shall adjourn without motion until the next sitting day.

4 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

Routine of Business – Standing Order 97

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 10.00 a.m. Meeting of House 10.00 a.m. Meeting of House Notices of Motions Notices of Motions

(General Business) (General Business) Government Business (up to 30 mins) 12.00 noon Meeting of House Government Business

General Business Notices of Motions for Bills Notices of Motions (up to 20 mins) (General Business)

General Business Orders of the Day for Bills Private Members' Statements (up to 60 mins)

General Business Notices of Motions or

Orders of the Day (not being Bills) 1.15 p.m. Community Recognition Statements (up to 20 mins) 1.30 p.m. Lunch 1.35 p.m. Lunch 1.30 p.m. Lunch Routine of Business Routine of Business Routine of Business 2.15 p.m. 2.15 p.m. 2.15 p.m. and Question Time and Question Time and Question Time (Re-ordering of General Business – Bills and

General Notices) Motion Accorded Priority and Motion Accorded Priority and Business with Precedence

Business with Precedence Business with Precedence Committee Reports (Take Note Debate) Government Business Government Business (up to 30 mins)

Matter of Public Importance

Community Recognition Statements (up to 30 mins)

Discussion on petitions signed by 10,000 At 4.30 p.m. or more persons Community Recognition Statements

(if not completed)

Private Members’ Statements

Adjournment at the conclusion of Private Members’ Statements Private Members’ Statements

Private Members Statements Matter of Public Importance

Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the conclusion of Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the conclusion At 10.00 p.m. At 10.00 p.m. Private Members’ Statements of the Matter of Public Importance

MARCH 2016 5 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

SO 35: BELLS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

35. The timing for bells is as follows: 35. The timing for bells is as follows:

Tuesday Tuesday Bells are rung at 11.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at Bells are rung at 11.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 11.58 a.m. for 60 seconds. 11.58 a.m. for 60 seconds.

Wednesday Wednesday Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 a.m. for 60 seconds. a.m. for 60 seconds.

Thursday Thursday Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 a.m. for 60 seconds. a.m. for 60 seconds.

After lunch After lunch Bells are rung at 2.00 p.m. for 20 seconds and at Bells are rung at 2.00 p.m. for 20 seconds and at 2.13 p.m. for 60 seconds. 2.13 p.m. for 60 seconds.

After dinner Division Bells are rung at 6.58 p.m. for 20 seconds. First bell 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; second bell 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; third bell 20 seconds. Division The doors are locked four minutes after the bells are First bell 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; second bell first rung. 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; third bell 20 seconds. The doors are locked four minutes after the bells are Quorum first rung. One long continuous bell (for up to four minutes until a quorum is present in the Chamber). Quorum One long continuous bell (for up to four minutes House adjournment until a quorum is present in the Chamber). Two short bells.

House adjournment One long bell Two short bells. A continuous bell rung at the discretion of the Chair.

One long bell A continuous bell rung at the discretion of the Chair.

6 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

SO 45: RESTRICTION ON QUORUM CALLS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

45. Members shall not be permitted to call attention 45. Members shall not be permitted to call attention to the want of a quorum: to the want of a quorum:

(1) During Private Members’ Statements or (1) During Private Members’ Statements or Community Recognition Statements; (2) During Matters of Public Importance or Community Recognition Statements; the Discussion on a Petition signed by (2) During Matters of Public Importance or 10,000 or more persons; the Discussion on a Petition signed by (3) During the establishment of and debate 10,000 or more persons; on a Motion Accorded Priority; or (3) During the establishment of and debate on a (4) Before 10.30 a.m. on any sitting day. Motion Accorded Priority;

(4) During the take note debate on reports from committees; (5) Before 10.30 a.m. on any sitting day, other than Thursday when a quorum call cannot be made before 10.10 a.m.

SO 46: ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

46. Unless otherwise ordered, the House shall be 46. Unless otherwise ordered, the House shall be adjourned without motion moved at 7.45 p.m. on adjourned without motion moved at 10.00 p.m. or at Tuesday, at 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday and at the the conclusion of Private Members’ Statements on conclusion of Private Members’ Statements on Tuesday, at 10.00 p.m. or at the conclusion of the Thursday. Matter of Public Importance on Wednesday, and at the conclusion of Private Members’ Statements on Thursday.

SO 108: PRIVATE MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

108. The procedure for Private Members’ 108. The procedure for Private Members’ Statements is as follows: Statements is as follows: (1) In accordance with the Routine of (1) In accordance with the Routine of Business, the Speaker shall ask if there Business, the Speaker shall ask if there are any Private Members’ Statements. are any Private Members’ Statements.

MARCH 2016 7 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

(2) Up to 47 Private Members’ Statements (2) Up to 47 Private Members’ Statements may be made over any one sitting week, may be made over any one sitting week, within the time allocated in the Routine within the time allocated in the Routine of Business, for up to 5 minutes each of Business, for up to 5 minutes each and replies by Ministers shall be limited and replies by Ministers shall be limited to 1 minute each. to 1 minute each. (3) Private Members’ Statements may be (3) Private Members’ Statements may be taken between items of business with taken between items of business with the leave of the House for a specified the leave of the House for a specified period or a specified number of period or a specified number of Members or until certain business is to Members or until certain business is to be conducted as notified by the be conducted as notified by the Minister in charge of the House at that Minister in charge of the House at that time. time. (4) A division on any question or quorum (4) A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during call shall not be permitted during Private Members’ Statements. Private Members’ Statements. (5) The House shall adjourn without motion moved until the next sitting day: (a) At the conclusion of Private Members’ Statements when it is the last item on the day’s Routine of Business and concludes earlier than the time set for adjournment; or (b) At the time set by the routine of business for adjournment.

SO 108A: COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATEMENTS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

108A. The procedure for Community Recognition 108A. The procedure for Community Recognition Statements is as follows: Statements is as follows: (1) In accordance with the Routine of (1) In accordance with the Routine of Business, the Speaker will ask if there Business, the Speaker will ask if there are any Community Recognition are any Community Recognition Statements. Statements. (2) Within the time allocated in the Routine (2) Members may make Community of Business, Members may give Recognition Statements for up to 1 Community Recognition Statements for minute each, for a total of 20 minutes up to 1 minute each, for a total of 20 on Wednesday and 30 minutes on minutes. Thursday. (3) Members may not give consecutive (3) Members may not give consecutive Community Recognition Statements. Community Recognition Statements.

8 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

(4) Community Recognition Statements (4) Community Recognition Statements may be taken between items of may be taken between items of business with the leave of the House for business with the leave of the House for a specified period or a specified number a specified period or a specified number of Members or until certain business is of Members or until certain business is to be conducted as notified by the to be conducted as notified by the Minister in charge of the House at that Minister in charge of the House at that time. time. (5) Community Recognition Statements (5) Community Recognition Statements must not contain: must not contain: (a) Matters of policy; (a) Matters of policy; (b) Requests for the Government or (b) Requests for the Government or the House, or another body to the House, or another body to take some form of action or not; take some form of action or not; or or (c) Criticisms or negative reflections (c) Criticisms or negative reflections on any person, including on any person, including Members, Office Holders, the Members, Office Holders, the Government, the Opposition or a Government, the Opposition or a third party. third party. (6) A division on any question or quorum (6) A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during call shall not be permitted during Community Recognition Statements. Community Recognition Statements.

SO 109: MOTIONS ACCORDED PRIORITY

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

109. The procedure for consideration of Motions 109. The procedure for consideration of Motions Accorded Priority shall be as follows: Accorded Priority shall be as follows: (1) Prior to Question Time on Tuesday and (1) Prior to Question Time on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Speaker shall ask if Wednesday, the Speaker shall ask if there are any written notices of there are any written notices of motions to be accorded priority over motions to be accorded priority over the other business of the House. the other business of the House. (2) No more than two notices shall be (2) No more than two notices shall be accepted at any one sitting of the accepted at any one sitting of the House. House. (3) The notices shall be set down for (3) The notices shall be set down for consideration later in the sitting in consideration later in the sitting in accordance with the Routine of accordance with the Routine of Business. Business.

MARCH 2016 9 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

(4) (a) The Members giving the notices (4) (a) The Members giving the notices shall each be permitted to make shall each be permitted to make statements of up to 3 minutes as statements of up to 3 minutes as to why their notice should be to why their notice should be accorded priority. No points of accorded priority. No points of order regarding the scope or order regarding the scope or substance of the notice, or a substance of the notice, or a quorum call will be entertained quorum call will be entertained during the 3 minutes provided for during the 3 minutes provided for the statement. the statement. (b) At the conclusion of the 3 minute (b) At the conclusion of the 3 minute statements the Speaker shall put statements the Speaker shall put the question on the first notice the question on the first notice “That the motion of the Member “That the motion of the Member for ... be accorded priority”. for ... be accorded priority”. (c) If the motion to accord priority is (c) If the motion to accord priority is carried the Member may proceed carried the Member may proceed to move their motion. to move their motion. (d) If the first motion to accord (d) If the first motion to accord priority is not carried, the priority is not carried, the Speaker will then put the Speaker will then put the question on the second motion question on the second motion “That the motion of the Member “That the motion of the Member for ... be accorded priority”. for ... be accorded priority”. (5) When the motion for priority is (5) When the motion for priority is determined and the motion is moved, determined and the motion is moved, the following time limits shall apply: the following time limits shall apply: Mover – 5 minutes Mover – 5 minutes Member next speaking – 5 minutes Member next speaking – 5 minutes Two other Members – 3 minutes Two other Members – 3 minutes Reply – 3 minutes Reply – 3 minutes Total – 19 minutes Total – 19 minutes (6) No quorum call will be permitted during (6) No quorum call will be permitted during the time set aside for a Motion the time set aside for a Motion Accorded Priority. Accorded Priority. (7) The motion will lapse at the time for interruption unless a division is in progress whereupon that division and any other division(s) to determine the matter shall be completed.

10 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

SO 110: MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

110. The procedure for Matters of Public Importance 110. The procedure for Matters of Public Importance within the daily Routine of Business, is as follows: within the daily Routine of Business, is as follows: (1) The matter, which must be definite, (1) The matter, which must be definite, shall be handed in writing to the shall be handed in writing to the Speaker no later than 12.00 noon and Speaker no later than 12.00 noon and immediately published. immediately published. (2) The Speaker, in the event that more (2) The Speaker shall determine whether than one matter is submitted, shall the matter is in order. In the event that determine which matter is of the more than one matter is submitted, the greatest public importance. Speaker shall determine which matter is (3) At least 30 minutes prior to the time for of the greatest public importance. Question Time – (3) There shall be no dissent from the (a) The Premier, the Leader of the ruling of the Speaker in relation to the Opposition, the responsible operation of this Standing Order. Minister in the House, Members (4) At least 30 minutes prior to the time for submitting matters and the Question Time – Independent Members shall be (a) The Premier, the Leader of the informed in writing by the Opposition, the responsible Speaker of the matter Minister in the House, Members determined by the Speaker to be submitting matters and the discussed. Independent Members shall be (b) The Speaker, by placing a notice informed in writing of the matter on notice boards, shall inform determined by the Speaker to be Members of the matter. discussed. (4) If the Speaker decides that any matter (b) The Speaker, by placing a notice proposed is in order it shall be on notice boards, shall inform announced to the House by the Members of the matter. Speaker. (5) As provided in the Routine of Business (5) As provided in the Routine of Business the Speaker shall call the Member the Speaker shall call the Member concerned to proceed with the matter. concerned to proceed with the matter. The matter cannot be amended. The matter cannot be amended. (6) The following time limits shall apply: (6) The following time limits shall apply: Member submitting matter – 5 minutes Member submitting matter – 5 minutes Member next speaking – 5 minutes Member next speaking – 5 minutes One other Member – 3 minutes One other Member – 3 minutes Reply – 3 minutes Reply – 3 minutes Total – 16 minutes Total – 16 minutes (7) At the conclusion of the discussion no (7) At the conclusion of the discussion no question shall be put. question shall be put. (8) A division on any question or quorum (8) There shall be no dissent from the call shall not be permitted during ruling of the Speaker in relation to the Matters of Public Importance. operation of this standing order.

MARCH 2016 11 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE CHANGES TO THE SESSIONAL ORDERS

(9) A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during Matters of Public Importance.

SO 187: RESTRICTION ON DIVISIONS

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

187. The House shall not conduct a division on any 187. The House shall not conduct a division on any question before 10.30 a.m. on days when the House question before 10.30 a.m. on days when the House meets at an earlier time, during Private Members’ meets at an earlier time, or before 10.10 a.m. on Statements, Community Recognition Statements, Thursday, during Private Members’ Statements, Matters of Public Importance or the discussion on a Community Recognition Statements, Matters of petition signed by 10,000 or more persons. If a Public Importance, the take note debate on reports division is called prior to 10.30 a.m. on such days, from committees, or the discussion on a petition the division shall be deferred and conducted at signed by 10,000 or more persons. If a division is 10.30 a.m. and any business then before the House called prior to 10.30 a.m. on such days, the division shall be interrupted and recommenced after the shall be deferred and conducted at 10.30 a.m. and division(s). any business then before the House shall be interrupted and recommenced after the division(s).

SO 306: COMMITTEE REPORTS, TABLING IN THE HOUSE AND DEBATE

Current Sessional Order Proposed change

306. 306. (1) The report and associated documents of (1) The report and associated documents of any committee (not being a legislation any committee (not being a legislation committee) shall be presented at the committee or the Standing Orders time provided in the routine of and Procedure Committee) shall be business, or at any other time with the presented at the time provided in the leave of the House. Routine of Business, or at any other (2) The Member presenting the report may time with the leave of the House. move “That the document be printed”. (2) The Member presenting the report may This question shall be decided without move “That the document be printed”. debate or amendment. This question shall be decided without (3) Reports from committees shall stand in debate or amendment. the order in which they are presented (3) Reports from committees (not being (or reported by the Clerk when received reports of the Standing Orders and during an adjournment) as Orders of Procedure Committee) shall stand in the Day “That the House take note of the order in which they are presented the Report”. (or reported by the Clerk when received during an adjournment) as Orders of the Day “That the House take note of the Report”.

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(4) Such Orders of the Day may be (4) Such Orders of the Day may be considered between 1.00 p.m. and 1.30 considered at the time allocated in the p.m. on Thursdays. Any interrupted Routine of Business on Thursday for a item of business shall stand as an Order period of up to 30 minutes. Any of the Day for tomorrow. interrupted item of business shall stand (5) Debate on an Order of the Day may be as an Order of the Day for tomorrow. adjourned and the resumption of the (5) Debate on an Order of the Day may be debate set down as an Order of the Day adjourned and the resumption of the for tomorrow. debate set down as an Order of the Day (6) When the Order of the Day is called on for tomorrow. and not proceeded with, consideration (6) When the Order of the Day is called on of the report shall be postponed until and not proceeded with, consideration the next Thursday sitting when reports of the report shall be postponed until are considered. If the Order of the Day the next Thursday sitting when reports is called on at that subsequent sitting are considered. If the Order of the Day and is not proceeded with, the question is called on at that subsequent sitting shall be put. and is not proceeded with, the question (7) If a committee has more than one shall be put. report on the Business Paper, the Chair (7) If a committee has more than one or Member who tabled the report may report on the Business Paper, the Chair move a motion without notice, or Member who tabled the report may amendment or debate to facilitate the move a motion without notice, consideration of two or more of the amendment or debate to facilitate the committee’s reports together. consideration of two or more of the (8) The Member tabling the report may committee’s reports together. speak for up to 6 minutes and any other (8) The Member tabling the report may Member may speak for up to 4 minutes speak for up to 6 minutes and any other to the question “That the House take Member may speak for up to 4 minutes note of the Report” with the question to the question “That the House take being put after 22 minutes. No reply is note of the Report” with the question permitted. being put after 22 minutes. No reply is permitted.

MARCH 2016 13 STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES

Appendix One – Extracts from Minutes

Minutes of Proceedings of the Standing Orders and Procedure Committee 5.30 pm, Tuesday 22 March 2016 Speaker’s Dining Room, Parliament House

MEMBERS PRESENT:

The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker (Chair)

Mr Stephen Bromhead MP Mr Michael Daley MP Mr Andrew Fraser MP The Hon. Thomas George MP Ms Noreen Hay MP Mr Nick Lalich MP Mr Chris Patterson MP Mr Greg Piper MP The Hon. Anthony Roberts MP

1. Apologies - Mr Coure

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Bromhead, seconded by Mr Fraser:

“That the apologies be accepted”.

2. Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting No. 2 held on 17 November 2015

Resolved, on the motion of Mr Bromhead, seconded by Mr Roberts:

“That the minutes of Meeting No. 2 be confirmed”.

3. Recommendations made by the Committee in its report of 19 November 2015

The Committee reviewed its November 2015 Sessional Order recommendations, yet to be adopted by the House. Members noted that the proposed further changes to Sessional Orders under Item 4 include the Committee’s November recommendations to the Routine of Business, Motion Accorded Priority and committee reports Sessional Orders.

4. Consideration of proposed changes to Sessional Orders

The Chair invited Members to discuss proposed changes to the Routine of Business Sessional Order and consequential changes to related sessional orders. Discussion ensued.

Resolved on the motion of Mr Fraser, seconded by Mr Piper:

14 REPORT 3/56 CHANGES TO THE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES

“That the proposed changes to Sessional Orders be amended by changing the restrictions on quorum calls and divisions on a Thursday, from none before 10:30 a.m. to none before 10:10 a.m."

Resolved on the motion of Mr Bromhead, seconded by Mr Lalich:

“That the proposed changes to Sessional Orders be amended by providing up to 20 minutes for Community Recognition Statements on a Wednesday and up to 30 minutes on a Thursday."

It was then resolved on the motion of Mr Fraser, seconded by Mr Lalich:

“That the proposed changes to Sessional Orders, as amended, be adopted as part of the Committee’s report."

The Committee then resolved on the motion of Mr Bromhead, seconded by Mr Patterson:

"That the changes to Sessional Orders, as adopted by the Committee, be the report of the Committee.

That it be signed by the Chair and presented to the House; and that once tabled the report be published on the Committee’s webpage. …

There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 6.20 pm, sine die.

MARCH 2016 15