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Ch16 Non-government business / MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE / Discretionary responsibility of the Speaker / More than one matter proposed



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House of Representatives                                Ch 16                                                 p 577

 

Non-government business / MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE / Discretionary responsibility of the Speaker

 

More than one matter proposed

In the event of more than one matter being proposed for discussion on the same day (up to five have been so proposed 1 ), the Speaker selects the matter to be read to the House that day. 2 There is a precedent for a motion to suspend standing orders to enable a Member to bring on ‘for discussion a matter of public importance in the following terms: . . .’, the terms being those of a matter submitted but not given priority. 3 A matter determined to be in order but not selected for discussion has been accepted and selected for discussion on a later occasion. 4

The Speaker, in selecting a matter for submission to the House, does so against the background that a principal function of the modern House is to monitor and publicise the actions and administration of the Executive Government. The Speaker cannot be required to give reasons for choosing one matter ahead of another. 5 There can be no challenge or dissent to the Speaker’s selection, as the Speaker is exercising a discretionary power given by the standing order, not making a ruling. 6



VP 1977/396-7.



S.O. 46(d).



VP 1985-87/545-6.



Matter not accorded priority on 22 May 1979 was accorded priority the next day, VP 1978-80/792, 806.



H.R. Deb. (19.9.96) 4458.



VP 1954-55/221, 265-6.