Mr RUDDOCK (Berowra) (10:14): I will endeavour to be relevant and short. As a member of the Selection Committee let me make it very clear that the opposition members support the procedures, and the suggestion that we are not committed to those procedures is false and does not reflect our views. As the member for North Sydney made very clear, I think in the most relevant comment that I have heard in this debate so far, the agreement that was made for the way in which this parliament would conduct itself did not remove the right to suspend standing orders where matters were urgent and required further attention. That is simply what we are seeking to do here. I am not one who is unaware of the way in which this parliament has been conducted in the past. I have been the subject of untrue and false allegations made by the then opposition which were shown to be untrue and false in an inquiry that was set up by them, yet they come in and endeavour in relation to an important matter that is on the public record to say that this should not be raised by this opposition. This is no more or less than government members did when they were in opposition. Let me make that very clear. In relation to the member's right to remain silent, I respect that. But my view is that that is something— Mr Albanese: Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Consistent with your previous rulings, the member for Berowra must address why the suspension of standing orders should be carried or why the amendment to the suspension of standing orders should be supported or opposed. The SPEAKER: I ask the member for Berowra to take that into consideration wholeheartedly as he makes his contribution. Mr RUDDOCK: As my colleagues have before me, I will endeavour to be totally relevant to the matter that is being discussed. This is a matter of some urgency. It goes to the member's reputation. I do not think the member should be called upon to make statements if he is advised that to do so may in some way jeopardise his legal position, but I think he has an obligation to claim that right to silence. If he intends to do so, he should come into the chamber and do just that. He has spoken in other forums and I think the parliament is entitled to ask that he informs us as his colleagues. The SPEAKER: Order! The original question was the motion moved by the Leader of the House for the suspension of standing and sessional orders. To this the member for Sturt has moved as an amendment that certain words be added to the motion. The immediate question is that the amendment by the member for Sturt be agreed to. Question put. The House divided [10:23] (The Speaker—Hon. Harry Jenkins) The numbers for the ayes and the noes being equal, Mr Speaker gave his casting vote with the noes. Question negatived. Original question agreed to.