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Monday, 19 March 2012
Page: 3270

Standing Orders

Mr ABBOTT (Warringah—Leader of the Opposition) (15:39): Mr Speaker, I have a question for you. You said earlier today that certain statements about the member for Dobell could only be made by substantive motion. My question, Mr Speaker is this: if leave is not granted for a substantive motion and if an absolute majority is not obtainable how can a substantive motion be moved in this House? In effect, haven't you in effect gagged the parliament?

The SPEAKER: Could you repeat the last sentence?

Mr ABBOTT: Mr Speaker, I asked you a question based on your statement today that certain things about the member for Dobell could only be said by way of substantive motion. My question was: if leave is not granted and an absolute majority cannot be obtained isn't it impossible to say certain sorts of things that it might be quite necessary in the public interest to say—such as certain things about the member for Dobell?

Mr Melham: Mr Speaker, with your indulgence—

The SPEAKER (15:40): I do not think that I need the assistance of the member for Banks. I understand the point that the Leader of the Opposition is making. However, I would draw his attention to standing order 90. The chair is bound by the standing orders.