Page 2473 - Week 06 - Thursday, 23 June 2011

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


As I said, it is a terrible shame that the Canberra Liberals, once again, on a significant issue have decided to deal themselves out of the debate right at the beginning. I think that if they continue in this manner, they probably will deal themselves out of more debates to come in the next 18 months.

Mr Smyth: Madam Assistant Speaker—

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I am afraid that Ms Hunter closed the debate, Mr Smyth.

Ms Hunter: I did. I closed the debate.

Mr Seselja: Having not opened it?

Mr Smyth: Having not opened it?

Ms Hunter: The debate is closed. Sit down.

Ms Porter: She has closed it.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: She moved the motion. I had not realised when I gave her the call that she was closing the debate, because she had not opened it, but the Clerks have informed me that she has in fact closed the debate, so—

Mr Smyth: Can I ask for leave to speak?

Ms Hunter: No.

Ms Porter: No.

Ms Gallagher: No

Mr Smyth: All right. I move to suspend so much of standing orders that will prevent me from speaking.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, I do not think we—one moment.

Mr Smyth: It is my right. I move to suspend so much of standing orders as will prevent me from speaking on this debate. Yes, we move for suspension. We can do this for a very long time.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I am informed that it is possible to do cascading suspensions. Mr Smyth.

MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (8.02): I move:

That so much of the standing and temporary orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Smyth from speaking to the motion.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video