Matters of Public Importance
110. The procedure for Matters of Public Importance is as follows:
- The matter, which must be definite, shall be handed in writing to the
Speaker no later than 12.00 noon on days when the Houses discusses a matter of
public importance and immediately published.
- The Speaker, in the event that more than one matter is submitted, shall
determine which matter is of the greatest public importance.
- At least 30 minutes prior to the time for Question Time "
- the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the responsible Minister in the
House, Members submitting matters and the Independent Members shall be informed
in writing by the Speaker of the matter determined by the Speaker to be
discussed.
- the Speaker, by placing a notice on notice boards, shall inform Members of
the matter.
- If the Speaker decides that any matter proposed is in order it shall be
announced to the House by the Speaker.
- As provided in the routine of business the Speaker shall call the Member
concerned to proceed with the matter. The matter cannot be amended.
- The following time limit shall apply:
- Mover - 7 minutes
- Member next speaking - 7 minutes
- One other Member - 5 minutes
- Reply - 5 minutes
- Total - 24 minutes
- At the conclusion of the discussion no question shall be put.
- There shall be no dissent from the ruling of the Speaker in relation to the
operation of this Standing Order.
- A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during
Matters of Public Importance.
amended 3 July 2009 and 8 October 2015 |