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Inquiry Details

Regulation of the consumption of alcohol by members during sitting hours

This inquiry was referred to the Procedure Committee by the House on 19 June 2013. On 27 November 2013, the reporting date was extended to 4 March 2014.
Minutes No. 151, 19 June 2013, item no. 4, page 1825 1. That this House: (a) notes the recent public debate about alcohol consumption by members during the sitting hours of the House, (b) reiterates its commitment to the highest standards of behaviour during sitting hours, (c) confirms that it is inappropriate for a member to attend the House while under the influence of alcohol, and (d) urges members who are unable to control their use of alcohol to seek professional assistance. 2. That the Procedure Committee inquire into and report on the regulation of the consumption of alcohol by members during sitting hours, including suggestions for changes to standing orders, sessional orders, the Code of Conduct for Members or other relevant instruments that: (a) would ensure to the extent possible that the decision making capacity and behaviour of all members attending the House are not impaired or adversely influenced by the consumption of alcohol on sitting days, (b) would address the use of the pair system for members who are under the influence of alcohol, and (c) would seek to provide the people of New South Wales with confidence in the House and respect their demand for sober and sensitive decision making. 3. That the Procedure Committee is to: (a) take into account public expectations of the behaviour of members of Parliament and the regulation of alcohol consumption in other workplaces characterised by high consequence decision making, and (b) give consideration to a total ban on alcohol consumption by members on sitting days before the last bell and appropriate ways to enforce it. 4. That the Procedure Committee report by Friday 27 September 2013. On 11 September 2013, the House resolved that the reporting date for the inquiry be extended to Wednesday 27 November 2013.

1. That this House: (a) notes the recent public debate about alcohol consumption by members during the sitting hours of the House, (b) reiterates its commitment to the highest standards of behaviour during sitting hours, (c) confirms that it is inappropriate for a member to attend the House while under the influence of alcohol, and (d) urges members who are unable to control their use of alcohol to seek professional assistance. 2. That the Procedure Committee inquire into and report on the regulation of the consumption of alcohol by members during sitting hours, including suggestions for changes to standing orders, sessional orders, the Code of Conduct for Members or other relevant instruments that: (a) would ensure to the extent possible that the decision making capacity and behaviour of all members attending the House are not impaired or adversely influenced by the consumption of alcohol on sitting days, (b) would address the use of the pair system for members who are under the influence of alcohol, and (c) would seek to provide the people of New South Wales with confidence in the House and respect their demand for sober and sensitive decision making. 3. That the Procedure Committee is to: (a) take into account public expectations of the behaviour of members of Parliament and the regulation of alcohol consumption in other workplaces characterised by high consequence decision making, and (b) give consideration to a total ban on alcohol consumption by members on sitting days before the last bell and appropriate ways to enforce it. 4. That the Procedure Committee report by Friday 27 September 2013. On 11 September 2013, the House resolved that the reporting date for the inquiry be extended to Wednesday 27 November 2013.


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