PRIVILEGE OR CONTEMPT SUDDENLY ARISING IN THE HOUSE
(adopted 15 September 2015)
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, Standing Order 91
be amended as follows:
91.
(1) A Member may rise on a matter of contempt or a breach of privilege suddenly
arising relating to the proceedings then before the House. In order to move a
substantive motion immediately or to request the Speaker to have a notice
placed on the Business Paper with precedence, the Member must satisfy the
Speaker that:
(a) the matter is one suddenly arising, relating to a matter then before
the House which should be dealt with at the earliest opportunity;
(b) there is a prima facie case; and
(c) the Member has prepared a notice of motion.
(2) When a matter of contempt or a breach of privilege suddenly arising
relating to the proceedings then before the House is raised, the business
before the House is suspended until the Speaker:
(a) determines that there is no matter of contempt or breach of privilege;
or
(b) defers the matter and either continues or adjourns the business under
consideration; or
(c) determines that a prima facie case exists and allows a notice of motion
to be moved forthwith or to have precedence for the next sitting; or
(d) takes some other form of action.
(3) The maximum time available to a Member to satisfy the Speaker in accordance
with paragraph (1) of this standing order is 10 minutes. The Speaker may
determine the matter prior to the expiration of the 10 minutes.
(4) If the Speaker determines that a prima facie case exists the Member must
move a motion seeking either:
(a) the declaration of the House that a contempt or breach of privilege has
occurred; or
(b) the referral of the matter by the House to the Standing Committee on
Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics for consideration.
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