BUSINESS › Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
Mr BURKE (Watson—Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for the Arts and Leader of the House) (17:31): I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following: (1) the Member for Warringah moving a motion without notice immediately; (2) debate on the motion being limited to one hour, unless a Minister requires an extension of time for a specified period; (3) time limits for Members speaking on the debate being: (a) mover—10 minutes; (b) seconder—10 minutes; (c) all other speakers—5 minutes; (4) amendments to the motion not being permitted; (5) the question on the motion being put at the conclusion of the allotted time or if no further Members rise to speak; and (6) any variation to the arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister. This is the result of discussions that have happened across the chamber with the full cooperation of the member for Warringah following the seeking of leave to move a motion earlier today. The nature of this debate is such that the time limit is one hour. Obviously, given the subject matter, if we do end up with one or two people, as we get closer to the hour, particularly wanting to speak and the clock running short, please come and talk to the minister at the table about extending the time a little bit. We do have some limits, because there's a minimum period of time for which parliament needs to be suspended so that the attendants can prepare the House for the budget reply speech tonight. I commend the motion to the House. Question agreed to.